AV 17th June 2023

with

Keith Vaz I SH E R SA HOTA

Isher Sahota is a f ilmmaker of Pu njabi descent Isher h as directed Doctors and Father Brown for BBC Studios, Hollyo aks fo r Lime Pictures/Ch annel 4, McDonald & Dodds for Mammoth Screen/IT V and Grace for Tall Sto ry/ IT V

This year he has launched a new venture, Bonaparte Films, with producer and actor Jon Tarcy The Effects of Lying is a comedy drama that seeks to portray the reality of British Asian families as never seen before on UK and international screens It is their f irst production and has been acquired by IT VX and is set to be released in July 2023

Isher has numerous original television shows at different stages of development His writing for screen and television is concerned with representing important counter narratives about multiculturalism in compelling genre shapes

Following his participation on a BAFTA jur y, Isher was invited to become a full voting member in 2021

1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?

In my life recently I’ve been traveling a lot, I’ve loved spending time in the ruins of Rome and the Summer in Montreal But London is home, for sure, in the sense it’s a city that I feel I know intimately And I love it, for all its complexities and inf initeness

2) What are your proudest achievements?

My family and friends around me I have cultivated my life carefully in that sense, and those people feed me creatively, inspire and support me That spurs me on to be able to achieve professionally, but without that support network I wouldn’t be able to do what I do

3) What inspires you?

I’ve always had a deep-rooted desire to create It can be a feeling, other people’s creative work, a political issue or idea I feel passionate about or a truth in the world that I feel I have a unique perspective in expressing

4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?

I’ve been incredibly lucky and have built my career largely in an era of opportunity Ultimately, I think one ’ s own ego, comparing yourself to other people, grandiose ideas of yourself, these things have been obstacles that I’ve tried to remove

5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?

I learn constantly from the people I work with; they challenge and extend me From producers I’ve been working with over the years, costume designers, production designers, cinematographers and edi-

Diageo’s India-born CEO passes away

Diageo PLC announced the passing of Sir Ivan Menezes, who was kni ghted by Ki ng Charles III for his contri but i on s to B u s i ne s s a n d Equality in the New Year's Honours lis t this year Si r Iv an pas s ed a way a f ter a brief illness, surrounded by his family

Born on July 10, 1959, in Pune, India, Sir Ivan held citizenship in both the UK a n d t h e U S, a s w e l l a s

Sir Ivan Menezes

l e d D i a g e o t h r o u g h a remarkable era of transform a t i o n , e x p a n s i o n , a n d e xc e p t i o n a l p e r fo r m a n c e Un d e r h i s g u i d a n c e , t h e company made signif icant strides towards his vision of b e c o m i n g o n e o f t h e w o r l d 's t o p - p e r fo r m i n g , most trusted, and respected companies

tors They push me to be better and do more interesting work

6) What is the best aspect about your current role?

Independence It’s ver y empowering to be freelance for creative reasons, to be master of my own schedule, and do the projects that I’m genuinely drawn to

7) And the worst?

I n d e p e n d e n c e It c a n b e p re c a r io u s , f inancially and also creatively As your master of your own destiny, you have to have a clear direction of where you want to go That’s why it’s important to stay focused and happy Those decisions become easier, I think

8) What are your long-term goals?

To keep telling stories that impact me and that I am uniquely placed to tell And to help champion other voices that do the same

9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?

Return investment into public ser vices and the arts sector The way public ser vices have been squeezed over the past decade I think is awful, and I’d like to see them restored, as those are values the UK has had in the past that I’ve been really proud of

10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?

Einstein I’d like to explore his mind in conversation, get him to really explain relativity and the nature of time and space and the universe to me And I think he d’ be clever enough to f igure out a way off the island!

Teen motorcyclist die s in a devastating crash

Tragedy st ruck in Harrow as a n 1 8 -ye a r-o ld mot o r b ike r ider named Eisa Khan lost his life in a devastating crash T he i n cid e nt occ ur re d o n Ju ne 9 a t Su db ur y Cou r t D r i ve , wh e re a colli sio n

be tween a car and a motorbike took place

S o u r c e M e r o p o t a n P o c e

D e s p i t e t h e e f fo r t s o f paramedics and law enforcement who swiftly responded to the scene after receiving the distressing call at approximately 5:30 pm, Eisa tragically passed away at the site of the accident The driver of the car responsibly remained at the scene, and as of now, no arrests have been made in c o n n e c t i o n w i t h t h e i n c ident

Eisa's grieving family has been notif ied and is receiving support from dedicated off icers who specialize in offering comfort during these tr ying times

O v e r s e a s Ci t i z e n s h i p fo r I n d i a (O C I ) He w a s r e n o w n e d a s o n e o f t h e U K 's l o n g e s t - s e r v i n g a n d most esteemed FTSE Chief Exe c u t i v e s , h a v i n g t r a n sfo r m e d D i a g e o i n t o t h e w o r l d s l e a d i n g p r e m i u m drinks company Under his leadership, Diageo became responsible for 10 percent of the UK's total food and drinks exports

Sir Ivan joined Diageo at its inception in 1997 and held numerous senior posit i o n s t h r o u g h o u t h i s 2 5year career with the compan y He s e r v e d a s t h e St r a t e g y D i r e c t o r fo r Guinness plc and played a pivotal role as the Group Integration Director when Diageo was formed through a m e r g e r, o v e r s e e i n g t h e integration of the two companies

Throughout his tenure as CEO, Sir Ivan Menezes

A d d i t i o n a l l y, Si r Iv a n had a longstanding involvement with Pratham, a charitable organization dedicate d t o p r o m o t i n g l i t e r a c y and providing education to underprivileged children in India He was an ongoing donor to the cause

Sir Ivan s passing leaves behind a legacy of cherished friendships and a beloved family, including his wife Shibani and their two children, Nikhil and Rohini, the company expressed

Mahek Bukhari case: Defendant Ameer Jamal faces questions

On Monday, the f ifth defend a nt i n th e murd e r tr ia l i n vo lv i n g Ti kTok i n fl ue n ce r M a he k Buk h a ri a n d o the r s Ameer Jama l, faced questioni n g fro m p ros e cut or Colli ng wood Thomps on KC

Th e tri a l , ta k i ng p la c e a t L e ic e st e r Crow n Court , revolve s a round a fatal crash on the A46, whe re Amee r was a p a sse n ge r i n th e Se a t Le on d ri v e n b y hi s c ous i n R a e e s Jamal T h e p r o s e c u t i o n h o l d s Raees responsible for colliding with the victims Skoda, resulti n g i n t h e d e a t h s o f S a q i b Hussain and Hashim Ijazuddin

in Februar y of last year Ameer t e s t i f i e d b e fo r e t h e j u r y, recounting how he shouted at his cousin to slow down just before the Skoda crashed into a tree on the central reser vation, while airborne and traveli n g a t n e a r l y 1 0 0 m p h T h e p r o s e c u t i o n a l l e g e s t h a t Mahek and the other defendants share equal responsibility for the victims deaths

The accusation is that t h e y a l l c o n s p i r e d t o ambu sh M ah ek's m oth er's fo r m e r p a r t n e r, S a q i b , a t Te s c o i n H a m i l t o n , Leicester They are said to h a v e b e e n a r m e d w i t h

weapons and wearing balac l a v a s Ho w e v e r, A m e e r Jamal claimed to have had no knowledge of their destination when they went to Tesco, nor was he aware of a n y b l a c k m a i l d e m a n d s made by Saqib Hussain T h e e i g h t d e fe n d a n t s , i n c l u d i n g Na t a s h a A k h t a r, A n s r e e n Bu k h a r i , M a h e k Bukhari, Raees Jamal, Rekan K a r w a n , Mo h a m m e d Pa t e l , S a n a f Gu l a m m u s t a f a , a n d A m e e r Ja m a l , a l l d e ny t h e charge of murder They reside in various locations such as Bi r m i n g h a m , St o ke , Loughborough, and Leicester

Family- run sweet shop in Watford to close soon

A ft er b e i ng op en si n c e August 1985, Sweet Time in the H igh Street will be closing its doors on June 29 The owner's son, H arry Kapuria, 42, shared with the Watford Obser ver that the shop is shutting down due to the landlord's desire to reclaim t he s pa ce Ad di t ion a ll y, Harry's parents , who are the owners, have made the decision to retire

Harr y revealed that his parents sacrif iced personal t i m e a n d d i d n o t t a ke a vacation until he and his brother became capable of m a n a g i n g t h e s h o p i n d ep e n d e n t l y i n t h e e a r l y 2000s “Dad did not have a day off in over 25 years, he worked seven days a week,” H a r r y t o l d Wa t fo r d Obser ver D e s p i t e f a c i n g t w o

recessions over the years, Sw e e t T i m e m a n a g e d t o s t ay a f l o a t t h a n k s t o t h e f a m i l y 's p e r s e v e r a n c e , a c c o r d i n g t o H a r r y Ho w e v e r, t h e C O V I D-19 p a n d e m i c t o o k a t o l l o n their business, forcing them to dip into their savings

The news of the closure has come as a shock to some customers who have been taken by surprise

NHS mental health support to benefit rough sleepers in homeless hotspots

Spe c ia li s t NH S m en ta l he al th ca re wi ll n ow b e e xt en de d na ti on wi d e to b en ef i t rough s lee per s i n town s with high rate s of homelessness A total of 14 new outreach teams have been established, surpassing the NHS Long Term Plan target of 20 by 2023/24 and b ri n gi n g th e n at io nwi d e total to 37

Already, approximately 100 individuals per week are r e c e i v i n g a s s i s t a n c e f r o m s p e c i a l i z e d m e n t a l h e a l t h p r a c t i t i o n e r s a n d o t h e r e x p e r t s , r e c e i v i n g a d v i c e a n d t re a t m e nt t o a d d re s s u n d e r l y i n g m e n t a l h e a l t h

m e n t d a t a , a n e s t i m a t e d 3,069 people sleep rough on any given night in England Ho m e l e s s i n d i v i d u a l s a r e more than twice as likely to experience common mental health conditions such as d e p r e s s i o n , a n x i e t y, a n d panic disorder, with rates of p s y c h o s i s u p t o 1 5 t i m e s higher Research indicates that i n d i v i d u a l s f a c i n g m e n t a l h e a l t h c h a l l e n g e s a r e a p p r ox i m a t e l y 5 0 % m o r e likely to have spent over a y e a r s l e e p i n g r o u g h T h e newly established NHS-led t e a m s w i l l u n i t e d o c t o r s , nurses, and other clinicians to coordinate treatment and s u p p o r t i n c o l l a b o r a t i o n

w i t h l o c a l o r g a n i z a t i o n s , including councils and charities These new ser vices are p a r t o f a c o m p r e h e n s i v e approach to improve rough s l e e p e r s ' a c c e s s t o N H S mental health support by integrating care with existing outreach, accommodation, drug and alcohol, and physical healthcare ser vices

In each region, outreach teams comprising NHS and l o c a l a u t h o r i t y s t a f f w i l l identify rough sleepers in need, assist them in accessing a general practitioner, and subsequently connect t h e m t o t h e n e w e x p e r t mental health support and care ser vices

Eisa Khan

Thought for the week

UK’s Indian diaspora needs to give away more

The Economist on Monday in an article hailed the Indian diaspora across the world, making incredible contributions in various fields – the living bridge that not only connects roots with the country of adoption, but also act as cultural ambassadors abroad

The UK has a huge Indian population While the riches of some are well known, they also make the largest unpaid carers in the UK from the minority community (see p1) The diaspora as they are famously called, arrived from not only India directly, but also Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and other African countries

Force migration or expulsion and some by choice as economic migrants, slowly the diaspora settled in the UK, and today there are exhibitions, book launches and plays to tell the story of their migration to the UK (see p13)

The Indian diaspora's influence in the UK extends beyond just top positions in business, government, and academia While Indian executives lead major corporations like Adobe, Alphabet, IBM, and Microsoft, in UK politics, Indian heritage is represented by figures such as the prime minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, former COP26 President Alok Sharma, Virendra Sharma MP, Shailesh Vara MP, former Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel and Home Secretary Suella Braverman MP, Seema Malhotra MP, peers like Lord Dolar P o p a t , L o r d R a j L o o m b a , L o r d N a v n i t D h o l a k i a , L o r d Meghnad Desai, Lord Bhikhu Parekh, Lord Rami Ranger, Lord Naren Patel, Lord Kamlesh Patel and the new Lord Kulveer Ranger (see P1 and 5)

Around 1 8 million Indians, or 2-3 % of the Indian diaspora, contribute 6% to the UK economy, which is considered as

a considerable contribution The annual Sunday Times Rich List of the UK’s wealthiest people was topped by Gopi Hinduja and his family for the fifth time in a row in 2023, with a whopping net worth and growing business Gopi Hinduja a n d h i s b r o t h e

Hinduja Group

The NHS boasts of outstanding medical and healthcare workers like Dr Partha Kar OBE, Dr Indranil Chakravatory, Dr Chaand Nagpaul, Dr Nikki Kanani, Dr Harpreet Sood among others who turned the tide around the pandemic to save millions of lives

Joe Biden, the President of the USA recently mentioned about Indian PM Narendra Modi’s popularity in his country and among the diasporas

Interestingly, USA sees a huge amount of philanthropy from its diaspora 60% of American households participate in some sort of charitable giving, (according to The Philanthropy Roundtable) The average age of the US donor is 64; About 80% of all donations to charities and non-profit organisations in the US come from individuals and 20% from corporations

In the UK, people gave away £12 7billion to charities in 2022, a substantial growth from £10 7bn in 2021 But the Indian wealthy community remains comparatively tight fisted

But Suneil Setiya, who works around Climate Change, has been the only Brit-Indian added to the “giving away list” by The Sunday Times Richlist in 2023, as he donated £65 1 millions of his £1 69bn wealth in 2022 In the mid-1990s, Setiya had joined D E Shaw, the New York-based fund manager An Oxford-educated physicist, Setiya attended Hymers College, a private school in Hull, The Times reported

Voters will be kingmakers as three leading democracies go to poll in 2024

India, UK and America will witness crucial elections in 2024

The comparison between these three countries, their democracies and the current political scenarios deserve a special mention

Parties in India have started preparations for the 2024 g e n e r a l e l e c t i o n s T h e o p p o s i t i o n p a r t i e s d i s c o v e r e d a r o a d m a p t o d e f e a t t h e r u l i n g g o v e r n m e n t , w h i l e t h e Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched its blueprint to carry out nationwide campaigns to win more seats in the parliamentary polls that are scheduled to take place in March to April 2024 Patna in India will host on June 23 chief minister Nitish Kumar's long provided show of non-NDA cooperation, bringing to town a number of staunch BJP competitors such as Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and ex-MP Rahul Gandhi, Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, her Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal, Tamil Nadu's M K Stalin and Hemant Soren of Jharkhand Akilesh Yadav of Samajwadi Party, former Haryana CM Om Prakesh Chautala-led Indian National Lok Dal, besides CPI, CPM and CPI (ML) have given their consent to attend the meeting Bahujan Samaj Party led by Mayawati, Bharat Rashtra Samithi led by Telangana CM KT Rama Rao, Andhhra CM Jagan Mohan Reddy, Orissa CM Biju Patnaik and Akali Dal will not attend the Patna meet But defeating Narendra Modi led BJP party cannot be the sole mission What is the clear plan of action by “Team Opposition”? If BJP is defeated, which of the parties would lead the Ministry and what will be their mandate?

BJP has planned to conduct extensive surveys to formulate the BJP s strategy

Meanwhile, the 2024 United States presidential election is scheduled for November 5, 2024 Incumbent President Joe

Biden is running for re-election along with vice president Kamala Harris as his running mate Perhaps the play ‘The 47th’ in Old Vic theatre shows us a world that could be America, including its first woman President and of colour

Biden's predecessor Donald Trump, a member of the Republican Party, is running for re-election to a second, nonconsecutive term Several primary election challengers have also declared their candidacies for the nomination of both major parties The victor of this election is scheduled to be inaugurated on January 20, 2025 Prior to the general election, political parties will choose their nominees at nominating conventions Delegates to the nominating conventions will be chosen by voters in state-level caucuses and primary elections Unfortunately, the system in the USA makes it much easier for money and power to take precedence over what voters want Statistics talk about Trump’s popularity among a certain class of people, due to tax benefits including Indian Americans, but it is rather difficult to gauge if they are all voters

UK faces its own battle as Boris Johnson steps down as an MP setting off three by-elections and of course the constant in-fighting of Tories that Rishi Sunak faces He can still swing votes to their party’s benefit, if he can control the inflation and taxes, but hopes are slowly being pinned on Sir Keir Starmer to do miracles SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon’s arrest poses a huge threat to Humza Yousaf’s leadership and the party’s future in UK parliament

In democracy, the power is always rests in the hands of voters You can ignore them all you like, but they remain the silent king makers The current leaders in India, the US and UK, had ample time to prove their worth – from security to economy to social stability Let the best candidate win

The growth of soft power in India

The rise of soft power in India has taken various forms under successive governments The Modi government has been creating innovative trends in the realm of Indian diplomacy by blending contemporary elements of soft power Today, India has successfully advanced the country's national interests through the employment of distinctive soft power assets such as the diaspora, yoga, culture, music, dance forms, etc Yoga is one of the most well-known and enduring imports from India Millions of people use it as a form of exercise and a stress reliever all around the world As a result, yoga is already a global phenomenon and is rapidly becoming part of mainstream culture, particularly in the West A few months after the Prime Minister suggested the idea in his UNGA address in 2014, the United Nations officially declared June 21st as International Yoga Day India’s own movie industry, Bollywood, has tremendous outreach and influence in the spread of Indian culture It brought its brand of glitzy entertainment even to the screens of Syria and Senegal Indian films and music have a sizable global audience and are becoming more popular internationally, especially in Asia, Europe, Africa and West Asia Regional films from India are currently gaining popularity internationally, and many of them even receive Oscar nominations, as 'Naatu Naatu' won Best Original Song at the Oscars In the last few decades, science, technology, and innovation (STI) have become one of India's most important soft power assets This is now evident as Indians and persons of Indian descent have attained prominence, heading top MNCs, being at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, and receiving numerous prestigious scientific prizes Additionally, the achievements of the Indian IT industry

and engineering giants such as Tata, Reliance, and Adani; as well as the international renown of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), have inspired a new perception of India

India has developed a number of openly available digital platforms that have greatly enhanced the quality of life for its citizens They are now referred to as digital public infrastructure" (DPI), previously known as "India Stack" It all began with the Aadhaar, or "foundation," a biometric digital identity system Then there is the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which makes digital payment as easy as sending a text or scanning a QR code (Refer page 23 titled "India projecting strength through digital technologies") India's soft power as a leader in technology is strengthened by enabling Indian fintech to expand internationally

By providing platforms for the internationalisation of Indian enterprises and disseminating lessons learned from India's public infrastructure to other nations When Indian businesses assist other nations in enhancing their access to payments and finance, it strengthens India's position as a global innovation leader In February, NCPI connected UPI with Singapore’s digital payment system, PayNow It performed a similar action in April with the UAE system As of May 31, 2023, India was home to 108 unicorns with a total valuation of $ 340 80 billion, making it the third-largest hub for unicorn startups as per The Hurun Research Institute’s Global Unicorn Index 2023 The developing ecosystem of start-ups will boost the nation's economic growth in the following ten years, according to the financial elite and international economic institutions

Perfection

- Vince Lombardi

Political Sketchbook

Alpesh Patel

The Problem of Being Blonde and Head of Government

Dear Former Heads of Government,

It appears that you find yourselves in a bit of a sticky wicket, what with these allegations of criminality nipping at your heels It's always unfortunate when one's past misdeeds, real or imagined, come back to haunt them like an unpaid intern It's a universal law, really, like gravity or the inevitability of being disappointed by a British summer But fear not, I've got some pearls of wisdom for you, freshly plucked from the oyster of my experience

Firstly, do take a moment to consider resignation It's a fashionable choice these days, really In the world of politics, resignation is the new black It carries with it a lovely air of dramatic resignation, a sense of "I've had enough of this circus, I'm taking my talents elsewhere!" There's something quite noble about it, like a knight falling on his sword, only with less blood and more photo opportunities Plus, if you time it right, you might even get a nice retirement package out of it

However, resigning might seem a bit defeatist

A bit like giving up halfway through a Monty Python sketch because the parrot isn't quite dead enough

In that case, how about the opposite approach?

Double down Insist that the allegations are as ludicrous as a lumberjack who's afraid of trees Remind the public of your unwavering commitment to their i n t e r e s t s O r b e t t e r y e t , d e f l e c t a n d d i s t r a c t Remember, nothing says "I'm innocent" quite like a s u d d e n i n t e r e s t i n e x t r a t e r r e s t r i a l l i f e o r t h e announcement of a new infrastructure project

But perhaps the most entertaining option would be to simply carry on as if nothing has happened After all, denial isn't just a river in Egypt Keep calm and carry on, as they say If anyone asks, just insist that you're too busy working on behalf of the people to concern yourself with such trivial matters Who knows, with a bit of luck and a lot of audacity, you might just convince everyone else to do the same

In the end, the choice is yours Resign, double down, or carry on - each approach carries its own risks and rewards But whatever you do, do remember to maintain a sense of humour about the whole thing After all, as we Brits know all too well, if you can't laugh at yourself, there's always plenty of other people willing to do it for you

Yours in satire,

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is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence

Pensioner wins a Tesla, £20,000 additional cash prize

A p e n si o n e r fr o m T h ur m a st o n h a s a c hi e v e d a n e x t r a or d in a r y v ic t or y , br i n g in g him joy as he approaches t w o si gn i fi ca n t m il estones in his life Tulsi

G ohill, a ged 69, received a delightful surprise this wee k when he emerged a s the lucky win ner of a £ 6 3 ,0 0 0 pr i ze r i gh t at h is d o or s t e p , c ou r t e sy o f t he B OTB Dr eam Car competit ion F o r q u i t e s o m e t i m e , Tulsi had been on the lookout for a new car However, his search has now come to a n e n d , a s h e h a s w o n a remarkable prize a brandnew Tesla Model 3 This topof-the-line electric car is val-

2023, coinciding with his 5 0 t h w e d d i n g a n n i v e rsary Moreover, the prize money opens up exciting possibilities for visiting various destinations that Tulsi has been eager to explore

Met PC jailed for sexually assaulting colleague

A Metropolitan Police officer who was on duty a t a p o l ice s t a ti on in no rt h L o nd o n h a s b e e n s e nt e nc e d t o 1 6 mo nt h s in prison for sexually assaulting a f e ma l e o f f ice r P C

S o u c e M e t r o p o t a n P o c e

u e d a t a n i m p r e s s i v e £ 4 3 , 0 0 0 A d d i n g t o t h e already incredible surprise, Tulsi received an additional shock when he was presented with a £20,000 additional cash prize

W i t h a g r a n d t o t a l o f £63,000 in prizes, Tulsi's triumph couldn't have come at a better time, as he is set to celebrate his 70th birthday in

E x p r e s s i n g h i s delight, Tulsi shared that there were a few items on my bucket list that I want to check off, one of them being visiting Angkor Wat in Cambodia to witness the farr e a c h i n g i n f l u e n c e o f t h e Hindu religion beyond India

Since its establishment

i n 1 9 9 9 , B O T B h a s g i v e n a w a y c a r s w o r t h o v e r £ 5 3 million, Tulsi being the latest addition to the list of astonished winners

Ar c hi t S ha rm a , a g e d 2 6 , appe ared in court and was f o u nd g u il ty o f t h e se x a t t a ck t h a t o ccu r r e d a t Southgate Police Station in December 2020

S h a r m a , w h o w a s assigned to the Met unit r e s p o n s i b l e f o r H a r i n g e y and Enfield, was suspended f r o m d u t y f o l l o w i n g t h e

victim's report of the incident Usha Shergill, Crown

Advocate for CPS London's Complex Casework Unit, emphasized that as a police officer, Sharma was expected to maintain the highest standards of behaviour and professional conduct both at work and in public

“I am furious that an officer has behaved in such a grossly unacceptable way In doing what he did, PC Sharma totally betrayed all the values of policing”, Met D e t e c t i v e C h i e f S u p e r intendent Caroline Haines was quoted as saying by the Evening Standard

Cllr Ramji Chauhan inaugurated as the Mayor of Harrow

S tartling recent statist ic s h ave u nvei led a c o nc e rni ng re al it y: o ver 8 0% of primary s c h o o l tea ch e rs believe th at ch ildren s attention sp ans have d ec rea se d si nc e th e o nset o f the pandemi c T h e se fi nd in gs emerged from a surv ey c o nd uc te d by K a p o w P ri ma ry, wh i ch i nvol ve d 504 p ri mary and e arl y yea rs te ac h ers f ro m s c h o o ls ac ro s s E n gla nd, s h e ddi ng li gh t o n se ver al disquieting trends

A c c o r d i n g t o M i r r o r O n l i n e ' s r e p o r t , t h e p o l l revealed that an overwhelming 84% of teachers agreed that primary school children now possess a "shorter than ever" attention span in the p o s t - C o v i d e r a Furthermore, approximately 69% of respondents reported observing an increase in daydreaming and a decline in students’ ability to con-

centrate since their return to the physical classroom

In addition to the findi n g s , r e c e n t r e p o r t s a l s o indicate that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on disadvantaged pupils, leading to what is being referred to as a lost decade" for their educational progress The Commons Public Accounts Committee warns that it may take up to ten years for the disparity in achievement between econ o m i c a l l y d i s a d v a n t a g e d c h i l d r e n a n d t h e i r m o r e affluent peers to return to pre-Covid levels

According to the com-

m i t t e e , t h e e f f o r t s m a d e s i n c e 2 0 1 2 t o narrow the educationa l a t t a i n m e n t g a p b e t w e e n d i s a d v a ntaged pupils and their w e a l t h i e r c o u n t e rp a r t s h a v e b e e n reversed by 2022, as e v i d e n c e d b y K e y Stage test results This setback has had profound implications for the e d u c a t i o n a l t r a j e c t o r y o f disadvantaged students Chairwoman Dame Meg H i l l i e r , i n p u b l i s h i n g t h e c o m m i t t e e ' s m o s t r e c e n t report, expressed grave conc e r n s o v e r t h e l o n g - t e r m implications of the pandemic on children's education, emphasized the urgent need for decisive measures, stati n g t h a t w i t h o u t s w i f t action, the ongoing impact of the pandemic on educat i o n c o u l d r e s u l t i n f a rreaching consequences that will affect an entire generation

Leicester school on lockdown following threat by a student

L ei ce st ers h i re P o l i ce h a s c o nf ir med th at Avanti Fields Sch ool, l o ca te d i n F u rr o w V i ew , H a mil to n , Leicester, was placed u n der l o ck do wn fo r several hours due to a s tu d ent th r eat eni n g a no th er p up il T h e incident occu rred on W edn es day m o rni n g ( J u n e 7 ) , p r o mp ti ng th e s ch o o l to take immedi ate actio n As a p recau tionary m eas u re , p ar ent s we re advised to stay away from the sch ool p remises

Avanti Fields School S o u r c e G o o g e M a p s

I n i t s w a r n i n g , t h e s c h o o l s a i d : “ P l e a s e n o t e that the school is currently on lockdown All the students are safe, we have safeguarding processes in place

Avanti Fields School, and multiple officers were observed within the school premises, communicating with the staff Despite the s c h o o l ' s i n s t r u c t i o n s to stay away, numerous parents were seen forming queues outside the school

A v a n t i F i e l d s

School has confirmed that the incident was determined to be of "low risk" nature

Cllr Ramji Ch auhan was inaugurated as th e mayor of Harrow in a ceremony held at th e Harrow Arts Centre o n Thursday, May 18 He began his political career in 2010 when he was elected as a councillo r fo r Ha rro w W eal d D u ri ng h i s te nu re , h e showed particular interes t i n p r o tec ti ng th e green belts

In addition to his role a s a c o u n c i l l o r , C l l r Chauhan serves on various committees and pane l s w i t h i n H a r r o w Council He is described a s a " d e d i c a t e d f a m i l y man" by Harrow Council He has two sons and has been actively involved in his community, both through his political career and his work in the pharmaceutical

Cllr Ramji Chauhan

i n d u s t r y H i s w i f e a l s o works in the medical field a t N o r t h w i c k P a r k Hospital

During his mayoral cer-

e m o n y , C l l r C h a u h a n paid tribute to the lives lost to Covid-19 by conducting his own personal prayer He also revealed his theme for the year as unity and diversity and emphasized his intention to bring people together, c e l e b r a t e t h e i r d i f f e rences, and embrace the cultural diversity present in Harrow He aims to foster a sense of inclusivity and harmony within the community during his tenure as mayor C l l r C h a u h a n w a s born in Uganda and later being evacuated to Britain during the expulsion of Asians in the 1970s when he was a young boy Having settled in the UK, he has resided in Harrow for over 30 years

Nicola S turgeon, the former S c o tti s h F i rs t Mi ni s te r, ma in ta in s h er i nn o ce nc e f o llo w in g h er arr es t an d s u bs eq u en t d ete nti o n f o r over seven hours on Sunday (11) The arrest was conducted as part of a police investigation into the allocation o f funds within her pro-independence S cottish Natio nal Party ( SNP )

T h e i n v e s t i g a t i o n r e v o l v e s a r o u n d t h e h a nd l i n g o f m o r e t h a n £ 6 0 0 , 0 0 0 ( $ 7 5 4 , 1 4 0 ) i n funding, initially raised by Scottish independence campaigners in 2017 The funds w e r e m e a n t t o b e r i n gfenced but may have been u s e d f o r p u r p o s e s o t h e r than intended

released without charge as part of the same investigation, in April It is worth n o t i n g t h a t S t u r g e o n , Murrell, and Beattie were all s i g n a t o r i e s o n t h e S N P ' s accounts

The details surrounding the incident were initially unclear, but the Hindu faith s c h o o l p r o m p t l y n o t i f i e d p a r e n t s a n d g u a r d i a n s through text messages and emails, urging them to avoid coming to the school during the lockdown period

Parents are not allowed to enter the school premises presently or to pick up stud e n t s f o r a n y a p p o i n tments ” F o l l o w i n g t h e i m p l ementation of the lockdown, L e i c e s t e r s h i r e P o l i c e d i sp a t c h e d t h e i r t e a m s t o

A c c o r d i n g t o a p o l i c e spokeswoman, a male student made threats of violence within the school No injuries were reported as a result of the incident

In a statement posted on Twitter, Sturgeon said, “To find myself in the situation I did today when I am certain I have committed no offence is both a shock and deeply distressing I would never do anything to harm either the SNP or the country ”

A s p o k e s p e r s o n f o r

N i c o l a S t u r g e o n c l a r i f i e d that she voluntarily attend-

Nicola Sturgeon

ed an interview with Police

S c o t l a n d a s p a r t o f t h e i r investigation She cooperated fully with the authorities during the questioning process Police Scotland conf i r m e d t h a t a 5 2 - y e a r - o l d woman, identified as a suspect in their investigation into the Scottish National Party's finances, was arreste d a t 1 0 : 0 9 a m ( 0 9 0 9

G M T ) H o w e v e r , s h e w a s

subsequently released witho u t c h a r g e a t 5 : 2 4 p m pending further investigation

I n a r e l a t e d d e v e l o pment, Sturgeon's husband, P e t e r M u r r e l l , a n d t h e p a r t y ' s f o r m e r t r e a s u r e r ,

C o l i n B e a t t i e , w e r e a l s o

arrested and subsequently

During Murrell's arrest, t h e p o l i c e c o n d u c t e d a n extensive search of the couple's residence in Glasgow Humza Yousaf said yesterday that he saw “ no reason ” to temporarily remove Sturgeon, who was released without charge on Sunday after seven hours of quest i o n i n g Y o u s a f ’ s d e c i s i o n c a m e d e s p i t e c a l l s f r o m within Scotland’s pro-independence governing party including by former leadership rival Ash Regan for him to act and prompted c r i t i c i s m f r o m o p p o s i t i o n parties “I won’t be suspending Nicola Sturgeon I’ll be treating her in exactly the same ” way as other officials arrested and later released w i t h o u t c h a r g e b y p o l i c e i n v e s t i g a t i n g t h e S N P ’ s finances, Yousaf told STV News “There is no reason for me to suspend them ”

S o u r

c

Nicola Sturgeon claims innocence in SNP funding probe

NHS to open new specialist clinics for obese children and young people

T h o u san d s m o re c h il d ren and young people who are severely obese will receive intensive support from the NHS, with 10 new specialist c lini cs set to op en acros s England

T h e n e w s e r v i c e s w i l l launch this year, bringing the total to 30 clinics that are able to provide expert help to children and their families which can prevent long term conditions including Type 2 diabetes

Around 3,000 obese children and young people aged between two and 18, will receive help to lose weight, treatment for complications as well as tailored care packages developed with their family, which could include d i e t p l a n s , m e n t a l h e a l t h care and coaching

The new initiative was set to be announced at the annual NHS Confed Expo conference in Manchester on Wednesday 14 June, as we went to press

Backed by £18 million

UK’s living bridge and power of Indian diaspora worldwide

over the next two years, the boosted rollout doubles the a m b i t i o n s s e t o u t i n t h e N H S L o n g T e r m P l a n t o introduce 15 new clinics in England

T h e e x p a n s i o n c o m e s a l o n g s i d e f i g u r e s s h o w i n g that hospital admissions of obese youngsters under 17 has nearly tripled in a decade – going from 3,370 in 2011/12 to 9,431 in 2021/22

Patients being treated at t h e n e w c l i n i c s w i l l g e t a c c e s s t o s p e c i a l i s t N H S doctors, nurses, psycholog i s t s , s o c i a l w o r k e r s a n d dietitians, who will assess their complications, provide tailored help with diet and lifestyle changes, and deliver mental health support and coaching

In addition to providing treatment, the clinics will also work at identifying the factors which cause obesity in children and young peop l e b y c o n s i d e r i n g t h e i r mental wellbeing alongside their physical health

Mayor announces £750,000 new funding to support migrant workers

Whi le unpai d c are r s c on t i nu e t o f i g ht f or th e i r rights, the Mayor of London, Sadiq K ha n a nn o un c e d m o re th an £750,000 in additi onal fundi ng to b oost support for m i g ra n t s i n London and tackle the exploitation of migrant workers following a ‘ shocki n g ’ repor t whi c h u nc overed widespread abuse

The new report, commissioned by City Hall, uncovers shocking levels of bullyi n g , r a c i a l l y m o t i v a t e d h a r a s s m e n t , a n d t h e exploitation of migrants in t h e w o r k p l a c e c o n s i s t e n t with modern slavery This investment by the Mayor w i l l s u p p o r t m i g r a n t s i n London with independent i m m i g r a t i o n a d v i c e a n d s u p p o r t s e r v i c e s t o h e l p ensure they can access their rights, including protection f r o m e m p l o y m e n t r i g h t s violations and exploitation

The Mayor of London said, “This report commiss i o n e d b y C i t y H a l l h a s u n c o v e r e d s h o c k i n g e v id e n c e o f e x p l o i t a t i o n o f

India's diaspora is the largest in the world, with near ly 18 million Indians living abroad, surpassing both China a nd Mexico in numb ers The success of the Indian diaspora compa red to their Chin ese counterparts sheds light on ge o poli t ica l f au lt lin e s a n d sho wca se s I nd ia ' s ac hie v eme n ts In d ia n m ig r a nt s, especially in the UK, continue to play a crucial role in building vital links betwee n t he ir a d opt e d ho me s a n d t he ir b i r th pla ce s , as e vide n ce d b y I n di a 's r e cor dbreaking inward remitt ances of nearly $108 billion in 2022, the highest among all countries

T h e I n d i a n d i a s p o r a ' s i n f l u e n c e e x t e n d s t o t o p positions in business, government, and academia Indian

executives lead major corporations like Adobe, Alphabet, IBM, and Microsoft In politics, Indian heritage is represented by figures such as the prime minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, former COP26 President Alok S h a r m a , V i r e n d r a S h a r m a MP, Shailesh Vara, Keith Vaz, former Home Secretary Priti Patel and Home Secretary Suella Braverman India's population, comb i n e d w i t h i t s f i r s t - c l a s s higher education system and proficiency in English, positions it as a leading exporter of talent Indian immigrants o f t e n p o s s e s s a d v a n c e d degrees and excel in profess i o n a l f i e l d s s u c h a s m e d i c i n e a n d i n f o r m a t i o n technology Around 1 8 million Indians, or 2-3 % of the

Indian diaspora, contribute six per cent to the United

K i n g d o m ' s ( U K ) e c o n o m y , which is recognised as a huge

c o n t r i b u t i o n T h e a n n u a l

Sunday Times rich list of the UK’s wealthiest people was topped by Gopi Hinduja and his family for the fifth time

i n a r o w i n 2 0 2 3 , w i t h a w h o p p i n g n e t w o r t h a n d g r o w i n g b u s i n e s s G o p i H i n d u j a a n d h i s b r o t h e r s head the multinational conglomerate Hinduja Group

The NHS boasts of outstanding medical and healthcare workers like Dr Partha Kar

O B E , D r I n d r a n i l

C h a k r a v a t o r y , D r R a m e s h Mehta, Dr Chaand Nagpaul, D r N i k k i K a n a n i , D r Harpreet Sood among others who turned the tide around the pandemic to save mil-

Lenses that change, for no charge

m i g r a n t w o r k e r s a c r o s s L o n d o n –c o n s i s t e n t w i t h m o d e r n s l a v e r y M i g r a n t s b e i n g s u b j e c t t o l o n g hours with no pay and abuse such as racial slurs are the opposite of everyt h i n g o u r c i t y s t a n d s f o r I t i s abundantly clear from the r e p o r t t h a t m i g r a n t L o n d o n e r s a l s o f a c e t o o many barriers to access the a d v i c e a n d s u p p o r t t h e y desperately need to safeguard them from exploitation and help them to work in dignity

“That’s why today I’ve a n n o u n c e d a £ 7 5 0 , 0 0 0 investment to extend City Hall’s funding to provide specialist services to ensure t h e m o s t v u l n e r a b l e m i g r a n t L o n d o n e r s c a n access their rights and the support they need I continue to urge the government to take the urgent action n e e d e d t o a d d r e s s t h e s e regular employment rights v i o l a t i o n s a n d t h e w i d e r exploitation of migrants, so w e c a n b u i l d a f a i r e r London for everyone ”

lions of lives

T h e I n d i a n d i a s p o r a plays a crucial role in maint a i n i n g a s t r o n g b o n d between India and Western countries The UK seems to h a v e f i n a l l y p r o g r e s s e d a s r e n o w n e d a u t h o r s l i k e Sathnam Sanghera are penning down books on ‘Stolen History’ and telling Britons about India’s colonial past T h e s u p p o r t o f o v e r s e a s I n d i a n s i s v i t a l f o r P r i m e Minister Modi, as he recogn i s e s t h e s i g n i f i c a n c e o f retaining their backing and understands that pressuring h y p h e n a t e d I n d i a n s t o choose sides is not a viable option Despite occasional s e t b a c k s , I n d i a ' s v a l u e r e m a i n s i m m e a s u r a b l e , much like its diaspora spread across the globe

Sadiq Khan

Sexual harassment complaint against the mayor concealed

According to a report in the S u n day T e leg rap h , th e L abo u r le ade rs h i p o f R oc hdale co unc il allegedly w it h h eld a s ex u al h a ras sment co mplaint against its mayor, who later obtained a p osition of influence

The report claimed that in February, while serving as the mayor of Rochdale, Ali Ahmed faced allegations of i n a p p r o p r i a t e c o n d u c t towards a woman However, these allegations were intentionally kept from his colleagues and the public allowing the Labour party to part i c i p a t e i n l o c a l e l e c t i o n s without a scandal Ahmed completed his mayoral term without facing scrutiny and s u b s e q u e n t l y s e c u r e d t h e chairmanship of an influential committee responsible for local policy-making

T h e n e w s p a p e r a l s o reported that the incoming d e p u t y m a y o r , S h a k i l Ahmed, is the subject of a h a r a s s m e n t c o m p l a i n t a s w e l l L a b o u r i n s i d e r s i n R o c h d a l e e x p r e s s e d a n g e r towards Neil Emmott, the leader of the borough council, for his handling of the c a s e s a n d c o n c e r n s w e r e raised about the well-being of the victims taking a backseat to how the information would appear publicly

A l i A h m e d ' s t e r m a s mayor concluded on May 17, a n d h e w a s i m m e d i a t e l y appointed as the chairman of the Rochdale north township committee During the local Labour party's annual general meeting, no mention

GP accused of sexual assault

S o u r c e R o c h d a e B o r o u g h C o u n c

Reports have emerged accusin g D r N ic h o la s Jo h n Ch ap ma n, 55 , o f s exu a ll y assau lting a woman by adding his semen to th e coffee he gave her over the course o f nearly a year Dr Ch ap man i s f aci ng ch arges o f attempting to cause the woman to engage in sexual activity without consent He is sp e ci f i ca lly ch a rge d wi th attempting to engage in no nco nsensual sexual activity by forcing her to ingest h is semen on two occasions, one in Sep tember 2021 and the oth er between September 2020 and September 2021

D u r i n g t h e p r o c e e d i n g s a t

FIRST BRITISH SIKH LORD MAYOR FOR COVENTRY

Jaswant Singh

Ali Ahmed

was made of the complaint a g a i n s t h i m a n d h e w a s elected uncontested despite a boycott

A s p o k e s p e r s o n f o r Labour in Rochdale stated that there were no outstanding complaints against the former mayor as it had been w i t h d r a w n H o w e v e r , s o u r c e s f a m i l i a r w i t h t h e matter claimed that the victim felt stressed and lacked support, leading to the withd r a w a l o f t h e c o m p l a i n t This comes in the wake of Sir Keir Starmer urging individuals with allegations of sexua l h a r a s s m e n t a g a i n s t Labour politicians to come forward

In an email leaked prior to the Rochdale annual gene r a l m e e t i n g , c o l l e a g u e s urged Neil Emmott not to propose Shakil for the position, warning about the negative message it could send to women and abuse victims Sources accused the leadership of delaying the initiation of a formal investigation into Shakil until after the local elections, despite the c o m p l a i n t b e i n g f i l e d i n February

G l o u c e s t e r C r o w n C o u r t , i t w a s revealed that the victim, who remains unidentified for legal protection, was shocked to discover a "gloopy" substance at the bottom of her cup after consuming a hot beverage provided by Dr Chapman Alarmed by the suspicious find, she promptly reported the incident to the police Laboratory analysis later confirmed that the substance was indeed semen and could be directly linked to the accused doctor

Dr Chapman later provided an

explanation, claiming that a medical c o n d i t i o n c a u s e d h i m t o r e l e a s e semen while defecating He suggested that there might have been some residual substance on his hands when h e p r e p a r e d t h e v i c t i m s d r i n k s H o w e v e r , a c c o r d i n g t o R i c h a r d Posner, the prosecution barrister, Dr Chapman admitted to masturbating in restrooms but denied engaging in any sexual activity directed towards t h e v i c t i m T h i s r a i s e d q u e s t i o n s about whether he had washed his hands adequately F o l l o w i n g t h e a l l e g a t i o n s , D r

C h a p m a n , o r i g i n a l l y f r o m S o u t h Africa, was arrested when he arrived at work and subsequently suspended from his position

Britain is the best place to live for the ethnic minority

A recent survey has sho wn that ethnic mi no ri ti es in B ri ta in p e rc ei ve th e co untry as a better place to live comp are d to c o u ntr ie s li ke t h e US , Germany, or France The rep ort, titled "Wh y the Windrush matters to day," was released by th ink tank Briti sh Future as part of the Windrush 75 network

According to the survey, approxim a t e l y 8 0 % o f e t h n i c m i n o r i t y Britons agreed that the UK is a better place to live However, respondents also acknowledged that there is still m u c h w o r k t o b e d o n e r e g a r d i n g racial equality

The survey found that two-thirds (67%) of ethnic minority respondents believe that black and Asian people

Homage to Muthiah Bhagavatar

An e vent o f Clas s ic al mu s ic was organised by KBC Arts on Sunday, 28 May , a t th e Au di t o ri u m o f Maha laksh mi temple , Lo ndo n, to ce le bra te th e li fe a nd wo r ks o f MuthiahBh agavatar, the 20th century p o et /c o mp o s er wh o wr o te in T el u gu , T am il , S a ns kr it an d Kannada He has to his credit almost 400 mu s ic al c o mp o s i ti o ns , th e largest among the post-T rinity composers

This is the 12th event by KBC A r t s w h i c h h o l d s m u s i c a l e v e n t s with a focus on a specific poet/comp o s e r ( T h e p r e v i o u s o n e s b e i n g H o m a g e s t o A n n a m a c h a r y a , R a m d a s , M S S u b b u l a k s h m i , B a l a m u r a l i k r i s h n a , N a r a y a n a T h e e r t h a , P u r a n d a r a d a s a ,

Papanasam Sivan, Swati T i r u n a l , O o t h u k a d u

Kavi, Subramania Bharati and Meerabai)

The event was inaugurated with lighting of t h e l a m p b y P u s h k a l a Gopal, MBE and had a medley of songs/dances on Bhagavatar’s compositions interspersed with informative pieces about his life’s journey narrated by the anchor Mahathi Srinath F i v e b r i l l i a n t B h a r a t a n a t y a m dancers--- Lavanya Rao, Laya and Lalitha, Shwiti Mahati Talluri and Vaishnav Dachavaram regaled the audiences with their enthralling and

High Commission of India invites bids for Hiring of Contractors for (i) Replacement of Primary Circulation Pump & Installation of Isolation Valves at The Nehru Centre, High Commission of India, London, and (ii) Repair and Renovation Works at The Nehru Centre, High Commission of India, London.

b be d downloaded f from

Birdi recently assumed the position of Lord Mayor, accompanied by his wife Krishna as the Lady Mayoress

S o u r c e C o v e n t r y C t y C o u n c

Originally from Punjab and having spent part of his childhood in Calcutta, he moved to Coventry 60 years ago and has been serving as a local councillor in the city for 16 years Expressing his pride in becoming the Lord Mayor of his adopted home city, Birdi highlighted the immense contributions Coventry has made to his life and his family over the years He emphasized his commitment to promoting the city and its wonderful residents stating that he is honoured to represent them As a Sikh he also spoke about the significance of wearing the Chains of Office and a turban symbolizing the city s multiculturalism and hoping to inspire others as well

face discrimination in their everyday lives in Britain, while only 10% disa g r e e d R e g a r d i n g r a c i a l e q u a l i t y progress, 71% of the overall population and 68% of ethnic minorities believed that the UK has made significant strides in the past 25 years However, a large majority of ethnic minorities (80%) and 66% of the general public agreed that there is still much more progress needed in the next 25 years In particular, 87% of black respondents expressed the view t h a t s i g n i f i c a n t i m p r o v e m e n t s a r e necessary in terms of racial equality

Having migrated with his parents to Kenya in East Africa during the 1950s, Birdi received his primary and secondary education there before immigrating to the UK in the 1960s to pursue further studies In addition to his role as a councillor, he has actively participated in establishing religious, social, and community projects in Coventry Now, as the Lord Mayor and an ambassador for the city, he has chosen to support several charities during his term, including the Muscular Dystrophy charity, the Coventry Resource Centre for the Blind, and the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire Charity He received the Chains of Office at the Annual General Meeting held at Coventry Cathedral

g r a c e f u l p e r f o r m a n c e s

The mellifluous performances of the vocalists were mesmerising

The report also examined public knowledge and sentiments about the Windrush generation and explored w a y s t o c o m m e m o r a t e i t s 7 5 t h anniversary on June 22 and 61% of the respondents consider it to be significant Among ethnic minorities, this percentage rises to 71%, a n d a m o n g b l a c k C a r i b b e a n B r i t o n s , it reaches 84%

The performers were a c c o m p a n i e d o n t h e M r i d a n g a m b y a w e l lk n o w n p r o f e s s i o n a l Wijyerajah Mylvaganam

The programme was v e r y s u c c e s s f u l a n d e n j o y e d b y a p a c k e d house of audience who appreciated the focussed efforts made by the artistes and organiser G e e t h a K a z a , w h o c o n c e p t ualised the event, thanked the performers, the team members and the audience

When it comes to tackling racism, almost half of the g e n e r a l p u b l i c b e l i e v e s t h a t t h e government should p r i o r i t i z e i m p l em e n t i n g s t r i c t e r regulations against o n l i n e h a t r e d t o w o r k t o w a r d s achieving net zero racism

Representing the High commission of India, Defence & Military Adviser, Brigadier Vikramjit Singh Gill paid homage at the Annual Chattri Service organised by the Chattri Memorial Group at Brighton on 11th June, 2023.

Sushi chef awarded settlement of £7,000

A s u sh i c h ef , H ema nta Mainali, has been awarded a sett lemen t o f o ve r £7 ,000 following a violent altercation with a colleague at a Waitrose store Th e incident o cc u rre d af ter M ai na li rec ei ve d la te- ni gh t WhatsApp messages fro m his co - wo rk er, S u mi n Lo h an i , leading to a confrontation at the raw fish counter

A c c o r d i n g t o r e p o r t s , Mainali was disturbed and

angered by a message from Lohani regarding the work schedule, which he received during the early hours of a S a t u r d a y m o r n i n g I n r e s p o n s e , M a i n a l i s e n t a n explicit message to Lohani

During the employment tribunal, Mainali argued that the message he received was directed specifically at him and intended to disrupt his p e a c e , p o t e n t i a l l y d r i v i n g him to quit his job The tri-

b u n a l a c k n o w l e d g e d h i s claim and recognized that the relationship between the two individuals had deteriorated significantly

Two weeks after the disa g r e e m e n t o v e r t h e WhatsApp message, Mainali decided to quit his job and s u b s e q u e n t l y s u e d L o h a n i for harassment and breach of c o n t r a c t H o w e v e r , t h e

h a r a s s m e n t c l a i m w a s unsuccessful, as the judge

determined that Lohani did not have the intention to deliberately disturb Mainali's peace by sending the message after midnight

N e v e r t h e l e s s , M a i n a l i was successful in his breach of contract claim, as he was forced to leave his position w i t h o u t b e i n g g i v e n t h e required six months' notice As a result, he was awarded a s e t t l e m e n t o f m o r e t h a n £7,000

Cllr Jaswant Singh Birdi

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj launches our special

“Satpurush” at Neasden Temple

3 8 days o f d ivine bliss and a lifetim e of memo ries

A m o n t h o f u n f o r g e t t a b l e memories in the presence of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj culminated in a joyous festival of devotion as thousands were showered with colour and spiritual bliss

O n t h e e v e n i n g o f 7 J u n e , Rangotsav at Neasden Temple was celebrated

o r i y a a n d S e n i o r A d v e r t i s i n g M a n a g e r K i s h o r e Parmar were invited on the stage at t h e t i m e o f l a u n c h H e a d o f N e a s d e n M a n d i r , S a d h u Y o g v i v e k d a s J i S w a m i a l s o w e l -

among people of all ages and backgrounds

“ Y o g v i v e k d a s J i , P r a b u d d h a m u n i d a s J i a n d a l l Santos, Trustees from BAPS UK and our readers were the motivational force in this big initiative ” Diksha Mahotsav

A f t e r t h e i n a u g u r a t i o n o f Satpurush magazine, HH Mahant S w a m i M a h a r a j o r d a i n e d t h r e e y o u t h s f r o m t h e U K i n t o t h e

H i n d u m o n a s t i c o r d e r W i t h Gurumantra, he gave new names to them for their new life as a saint

HH Mahant Swami Maharaj said that he wants the youth to progress in their Satsang, studies and careers He said, “You are not o r d i n a r y , y o u a r e g r e a t s o u l s b e c a u s e y o u h a v e o b t a i n e d Bhagwan and the Satpurush You

comed CB with a garland

CB said, “We got inspiration f r o m v a r i o u s p r o g r a m m e s a n d f a m i l y e v e n t s t h a t h a v e b e e n organised in HH Mahant Swamiji’s presence, focussing on strengthening faith, mobilising community s e r v i c e , a n d i n s p i r i n g h a r m o n y

Old name New Name

1 Shamilbhai Vibhishan Bhagat

2 Haribhai Eklavya Bhagat

3 Harshilbhai Ruju Bhagat

On this occasion, HH Mahant Swami said, “Your old name was

destructible But this is like your new birth to serve society and this n e w n a m e w i l l r e m a i n f o r e v e r This is your permanent identity ”

have an infinite amount of power within you so take great pride in t h i s R e m e m b e r t o a l w a y s b e strong, brave, and patient No mat-

t e r w h a t h a p p e n s , n e v e r l o s e c o u r a g e B h a g w a n a n d t h e Satpurush are the greatest source o f s t r e n g t h a n d h a p p i n e s s , a n d they belong to you Our only desire is for you to be eternally happy ” O n 8 J u n e t h e r e a n A b h a r S a b h a w a s h e l d T h o u s a n d s o f d e v o t e e s g a t h e r e d a n d t h a n k e d Mahant Swami Maharaj for all the divine bliss, profound inspiration, and unforgettable memories during his UK-Europe visit G u r u h a r i M a h a n t S w a m i M a h a r a j i s n o w i n T o r o n t o , Canada, for more than 4 weeks since Friday 9 June 2023

HH Mahant Swami Maharaj and CB Patel launch the special souvenir magazine in presence of Mahesh Liloriya and Kishore Parmar

CB being welcomed by Mahant Swami Maharaj

Rangotsav at Neasden Temple

Rangotsav by BAPS

Fight for women’s rights and same-sex marriage go hand in hand

Krishna Omkar a globally recognised thought l e ader o n s ta keh o l der ca p ita lis m , p u rp o s e, impact, ESG, Diversity, Equity, and Incl usio n, s poke at th e annual Be the Change panel disc ussion on 27 Ap ril at the House o f Commons, o rganised by Asian Voice in as sociation with th e RAF

In 2023, the UK and Indian governments named him one of 75 recipients of the UKIndia Achievers Honours to mark 75 years of India's independence. Krishna was awarded a 2019 Asian Achievers Award and named 2018 Role Model of the Year by Stonewall.

Describing the status of the LGBTQ community across the world and the challenges faced, Omkar said, “I'm very involved with the activists from all around the world.

“But I think what people don't realise is the example of India. We're working on the marriage equality campaign. It was decriminalised in 2018. That's the starting point. We're now asking for basic equal rights – and not asking for something special. People don't realise this because of the way the structures of society work.

“So, the one thing that we must do is shift the conversation and how do we challenge the injustice? And how do we change the structure? So, if you ask me, what's the state of LGBTQ rights now? I would say, that, we have all many rights in the UK, that a vast majority of LGBTQ people around the world don't have.”

Krishna Omkar

N ot a zero-s um game

Omkar however said that this is not a zero-sum game. According to him, the fight for women's rights is also affected by the fight for same-sex marriage and vice versa. “If you see what happened in the US with this huge pushback on women's rights, that's also an LGBTQ issue! Because those are the bundles of rights that come together. It's also racist because women of colour are much less likely to have access to rights than whites. For example, if you're a Queer woman of colour, that becomes even more complicated. So, these silos are not very helpful and am keen to try and change the conversation about diversity and equity inclusion.

“The LGBTQ community is doing well in this country, compared to other countries, but all ethnic minorities aren't doing well. Even for some just the term, is quite problematic because all ethnic minorities are not the same.”

British High Commission celebrates Pride Month

T h e Brit ish High C om mis sio n and Britis h C ouncil are h osting a sp ecial event in Delhi o n 11 June to mark Pride Month and celebrate the LGBT+ community around th e world

The evening’s celebration at the British Council Delhi includes grassroots champions

in India, such as InsideOut Delhi and the Humsafar Trust, members of the LGBT+ community in the city, and supporters from all walks of life. The event will also feature an art exhibition by celebrated British queer artist Howard Hodgkin, who worked with renowned Indian architect Charles Correa to design the iconic black and white mural that adorns the front of the British Council building.

Similar events are being organised across the UK in India network in the month of June including receptions planned at Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Jodhpur. The UK is committed to championing LGBT+ rights around the world and to ensuring everyone, everywhere is protected

against discrimination.

C h r is t ina Sco t t , Ac ti ng Br it is h H igh Commis sioner to India, said: “I feel extremely proud to join so many like-minded people from across this wonderful city in celebrating the LGBT+ community. The UK believes that everyone, everywhere should be free to love whom they love and express themselves openly without fear of facing discrimination. Today, we celebrate love and pay tribute to everyone working to ensure full, equal, meaningful participation for all, across all walks of life.”

M ic h a el Ho u l ga te , De p u ty Dir ec t o r , Br it is h C ou n c il In dia , said: “The British Council believes in the importance of diversity and inclusion. Our commitment is reflected in our celebration of Pride Month and through our work in English, education, and the arts. We are committed to creating empowering platforms for the LGBTQIA+ community to express themselves authentically and stand together in support of love and equality.”

Sonal Kale wins the runner-up title of Mrs Asia

S ona l K al e , ha il i ng fr om th e M arathi com munity, has achieved a remarkable feat of winning the runner-up title in the esteemed M rs Asia GB beauty pageant held i n Lon don T h rou gh he r outstanding performance, she has not only garnered recognition for h er se l f bu t ha s al s o en ha nc e d India's reputation in the vibrant c ity of London

Sonal embarked on a journey to London to pursue her higher education in 2008. After completing her education, Sonal decided to

make London her home and has successfully established herself ever since. Over the years, she has flourished as an influencer, freestyle Bollywood choreographer, and content creator.

Participating in the Mrs Asia GB pageant holds a deeper purpose for Sonal. She wants to become a source of inspiration for others embarking on a similar journey.

Anusha Singh

Ayesha Smar t, a barrister from Yorkshire h as emer g e d as t h e yo u ng es t et h nic minority Crown Court judg e Following a rigorous journey of examinations, interv ie ws, an d en d o r sem ent fr o m th e au thorities, Ayesh a, ag ed 34, has been chosen t o preside as a Recorder in Crown C ou r t s sp an nin g t h e N o r t h east of England

Having successfully completed pupillage and being Called to the Bar in 2014, Ayesha Smart is presently associated with Exchange Chambers, where she focuses on crime, clinical negligence, and regulatory law. In her recent appointment as a Recorder, she will dedicate a minimum of 30 days each year to preside over cases.

Asian Voice reached out to Ayesha, and learned about her journey, aspirations, successes and challenges. You’ve achieved a remarkable feat quite early on in your career. How big of a win is it for you personally, as a woman, and for the South Asian community?

I am delighted at what I have managed to achieve, having come to bar somewhat later than others. It took a lot of hard work and determination to get where I am today. It is a big win for the South Asian community, and I hope that my success will encourage others from diverse backgrounds, regardless of age, to take that first step towards a judicial career. Anyone enthusiastic about law and justice should not be deterred because of their background. Tell us a little bit about yourself especially when you were growing up and about your South Asian roots. You initially started out to make a career in medical sciences and later transitioned to law. Was there a specific reason or a driving factor that led to this major trajectory change?

My mother and her family moved to the UK shortly before she attended university, however I have been immersed in Sri-Lankan culture from a young age and even learnt Bharatanatyam and Tamil! I regularly return to Sri-Lanka to spend time with relatives and to enjoy the beauty of the island. Sharing this part of my life at school was difficult as there wasn’t much diversity or interest in my background.

I have always wanted a vocation and a role where I could make an impact. Initially, I was passionate about the sciences and my aspiration was to work as doctor abroad. Following my first degree I thought about this as a better career fit. I tested the waters with an LLM in Medical Law and Ethics and then took the plunge thereafter. How can people in power facilitate better chances and opportunities for women, especially in the South Asian community in the UK?

The barriers that I perceive to be prevalent for women and those from the South Asian community relate to the lack of guidance/exposure and/or the financial burden of legal studies. There have been changes to the judicial appointment process and the pupillage application process so that those in power no longer hold all the cards and you don’t move up the ladder on a nod and a wink. Proactivity looking in the right place to make the right connections and gain the right experience can help transform your career trajectory. Gray’s Inn saw potential in me when I applied for a scholarship and took the financial burden away.

Dining sessions at the inn and panel sessions at university to network with professionals can assist you in obtaining work experience, improving your applications or seeking mentorship. In your opinion, does equality exist for women as well as for the diaspora in the profession of law, especially for barristers and judges?

The bar and the judiciary are still ever evolving professions, that are making efforts to keep up to modern times and the diverse society we now live in. There are still those that have prejudices and some antiquated views. A lot of work is to be done on supporting those who have to juggle work and a family and the court’s factoring in commitments such as childcare, school runs etc, which often fall to women.

Have you ever faced prejudices in your profession, or personally as a woman due to your ethnicity?

Unfortunately, I have experienced prejudices, both in my career and personally. Sometimes this has been more subtle, sometimes more overt. By way of example, due to my ethnicity, clients have not wanted me to represent them despite my experience and expertise. I have also had instances where assumptions have been made about my ability and expertise due to my cultural background.

What are some things you envision achieving in the near future and what goals have you set for yourself in the long run?

In all honesty, I achieved my current position a lot quicker than I expected, so I’m going to spend the next few years really learning the craft and honing my skills as a judge. There are a number of courses that judges can take to extend the types of cases they can hear, or they can obtain tickets to sit in other jurisdictions such as civil, which I may consider in due course. I’m also keen to get involved in the development of the judiciary internationally.

What advice would you give to the young aspiring barristers and judges from the South Asian community, who want to follow in your footsteps?”

The headline really is to stay focused, be determined and be brave. Don’t let others talk you down.

Your inns of court, law societies and universities are lifelines, so use what they have to offer. Both BPP Law School and Gray’s Inn had mentoring schemes, work experience, pro bono projects and mock interviews which properly equipped me in applying for the elusive pupillage. In a similar vein, the Judicial Appointment Commission run a mentoring scheme and work placement scheme which I took advantage of. Both drastically improved my chances of success in the Recorder competition.

“One should not be deterred because of their background”Ayesha Smart

Ayesha Smart

37 youngsters honoured at the Scottish Parliament in inaugural Inspire Awards 2023

Yo ung people across Britain gathe red at th e Sc ott is h Par liamen t ( T u esda y 6 J u ne) to a ttend t he Inspire Awards which celebrate the talents o f young people aged 5 to 17 who excel in whatever they love to do There were nine categories and 37 prizes in total and most winners were of Asian-o rigin

The Inspire Awards 2023 is a n e w i n i t i a t i v e f r o m t h e B r i t i s h Y o u t h I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o l l e g e (BYITC), which was founded in 2015 by Glasgow-based academic and educator Dr Rashmi Mantri to help young people learn and improve their abilities in maths

Dr Rashmi Mantri said, “I am so proud of all these marvellous young people and the range of abilities in the room is truly humbling We had so many high-quality entrants that the judges had a very tricky job picking the winners

“We wanted to create a special night to celebrate diversity and inclusion and recognise young people from all backgrounds who are making all of our futures’ brighter by learning and excelling in whatever they choose to do

“We’ve had everything from solar powered fans to content creators on YouTube and outstanding singers and dancers, not to mention the STEM stars Well done to everyone who won as you have set the bar very high for next year ’ s awards ” said

The awards were overseen by a high-prof i l e j u d g i n g p a n e l i n c l u d i n g P r o f e s s o r Eleanor Shaw OBE, Associate Principal of t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f S t r a t h c l y d e , a n d entrepreneur Dr Poonam Gupta OBE, Chief Executive of PG Paper, an international

p a p e r c o m p a n y b a s e d i n I n v e r c l y d e , Scotland Leader of the Scottish Labour Party and Member of the Scottish Parliament, Anas Sarwar, said, “It is a great privilege to welcome all of these high-achieving young people to the Scottish Parliament on this special occasion “The Inspire Awards are in themselves an inspirational concept that highlight the outstanding achievements of young people in their chosen specialities across the United Kingdom and I congratulate each and every one of them on their awards

“I would like to congratulate especially the work of Dr Rashmi Mantri and BYITC in conceiving, organising, and bringing to a magnificent conclusion the Inspire Awards 2023 Dr Rashmi’s is a wonderful achievement for which she deserves high praise ”

Inspired by the success of the College, the BYITC Inspire Awards recognises young ‘Super Achievers’ from all backgrounds who have excelled in fields including the environment, sports, media, art and creativity, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)

2 students were among three deaths in an attack in Nottingham

A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspi cion of murder following the three deaths in Nottingham on Tuesday Two of the three people killed in Nottingham on Tuesday morning were Univers ity of Nottingham students Polic e said they have an open mind on the motive - but counter-terror officers are involved Officers were called to Ilkeston Road in the ci ty at 04:00 BST where two people were found dead

They were then called to another street, where a van attempted to run over three people The leader of Nottingham City Council said some of the victims of that attack were waiting at a bus stop

A man was also found dead on Magdala Road in the city On Tuesday afternoon armed police were seen raiding a property on Ilkeston Road

The university continued in a statement, published on Twitter: "It is with great sadness that we confirm the sudden and unexpected death of two of our students following a major incident in #Nottingham city centre overnight "We are shocked and devastated by the news and our thoughts are w i t h t h o s e a f f e c t e d , t h e i r f a m i l i e s a n d friends " The university adds that it knows

the deaths are "likely to cause distress for staff and students in our community"

Nottingham Trent University contacted its students to reassure them It said its sites "remain open and fully staffed" for anyone who needs support, and urged any residents affected "to speak to our team about any concerns, and to be with friends in a safe space" In a statement, the University of Nottingham students' union said it was cancelling this evening's grad ball and would w o r k w i t h t h e u n i v e r s i t y " a n d r e l e v a n t authorities to understand the situation"

A student who did not wish to be named told The Independent: “My friend knows the boy who died, he called me this morning Both he and the girl were freshers walking back from a nightclub “Yesterday was a really big day, the end of exams and there was a day festival at Binks Yard Loads of people then went to Pryzm nightclub afterwards, it was really busy “Apparently the boy and girl were walking home, it’s about 25 mins walk from Pryzm This morning everyone was texting and calling each other to see if everyone was okay and then my friend called to say he knew the boy who had died ”

Dr Bharat Pankhania appointed as the new Deputy Mayor of Bath

Cllr Dr Bharat P ankh ania, a Senio r Clinical Lecturer at th e Uni ve rs i ty o f E x ete r Medi c al S c h o ol , h as bee n ap p o in ted a s th e n ew Deputy Mayo r of Bath Dr Pankhania h as o ver 20 years o f experience in Co mmunicable Disease Control and Infectiou s disease management and h as been a prominent figure in the communi-

ty du r in g th e Co vi d- 19 p andemic, providing re as su r anc e a nd s u p p o rt to th e local residents

E x p r e s s i n g h i s m o t i v a t i o n f o r g e t t i n g involved in local politics, Dr Pankhania told iGlobal that he wanted to

i n s p i r e a n d encourage others to take action He sees his role as an o p p o r t u n i t y t o s e r v e t h e l o c a l community, promote positive init i a t i v e s , a n d address the conc e r n s o f t h e p e o p l e w h o have elected him

Dr Rashmi Mantri, Elaine McLard, young philanthropist award winner Jevindu Senyuth Dissanayake and Anas Sarwar

Dr Bharat Pankhania

Sherpas should be treated better

It brightened our mind and heart when we saw footage and watched news of a Malaysian climber narrowly survived Mount Everest after a Nepali Sherpa guide hauled him down from below summit in a “ very rare ” high-altitude rescue, according to a government official

Gelje Sherpa, 30 was guiding a Chinese client to the 8,849 - meter - 29,032 feet summit of Everest when he saw the Malaysian climber clinging to a rope and shivering from extreme cold in the area called the “death zone ” , where temperature can dip to minus 30 Celsius Gelje convinced his Chinese client to give up his summit attempt and descend the mountain as it was important to him to rescue the climber

Gelje hauled the climber by 600 meters - 1,900 feet down over about six hours, where Niama Tahi Sherpa, another guide wrapped the climber in a sleeping mat, dragged him on the snow or carried him in turn on their back to camp III A helicopter using a long line then lifted him down to base camp The Malaysian climber finally was put on a flight to Malaysia few weeks back

Sherpas are backbone of all climbers, they all worked vigorously hard lifting all equipment needed by climbers in their attempt to climb Mount Everest But is a pity that climbers spend thousand dollars in their attempt to climb while all Sherpas are exploited by very poorly paid wages, taking undue advantages of their situation to earn bread and butter

Bhavna and Sur esh

Caregiving in the UK

Patel

Caregiving is a vital role that involves providing support, assistance, and compassion to individuals who are unable to fully care for themselves Whether it is for children, elderly family members, or individuals with disabilities, caregiving plays a crucial role in maintaining their wellbeing and quality of life

Caregivers often undertake a wide range of responsibilities, including assisting with daily activities such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management, and transportation

They may also provide emotional support, and companionship, and engage in social activities to promote mental and social well-being Moreover, caregivers serve as advocates, ensuring that their loved ones needs are met and their voices are heard in healthcare and other settings

The impact of caregiving extends beyond the physical tasks performed Caregivers develop deep emotional connections with those they care for, forging bonds built on trust, love, and compassion They witness firsthand the challenges and triumphs of their loved ones, and their unwavering presence provides comfort and stability

However, caregiving can also be physically and emotionally demanding The responsibilities can be overwhelming, leading to stress, exhaustion, and burnout It is important for caregivers to prioritise self-care, seeking support from others and taking breaks to recharge and care for their own well-being

In Indian households, caregiving embodies the fundamental human values of compassion and empathy It is a selfless act rooted in our culture that brings comfort, stability, and dignity to those in need while enriching the lives of caregivers themselves By recognising and supporting the vital role of caregivers, we can foster a society that values and cherishes the well-being of all its members

This Carers Week, let’s pledge to empower, reward and celebrate our caregivers!

Benny P atel

Hockey is the key to India's medal tally

Indian women's hockey team wins junior Asia Cup 2023 We are glad India's national sport and our prideH o c k e y i s g a i n i n g r e c o g n i t i o n a n d p o p u l a r i t y

Government's initiative will further inspire more youth and coaches to bring glory to India Hockey is the key to India's medal tally

TS Karthik

India’s 2024 elections

“Opposition vs Modi: Is India ready for 2024 elections?” in AV dated 10-16 June 2024 shows that in spite of Rahul Gandhi trying to tarnish the image of the country abroad, nothing much he can do

I think for Congress, it is a kind of credibility crisis They should increase their credibility in the minds and hearts of people instead of wasting time making irresponsible and baseless statements against Modi or India Congress would lose respect and Modi will be benefited indirectly

Congress may win a few seats in 2024 elections, if they do soul searching, a bit of introspection and change their attitude towards Modi and India People are interested in progress and prosperity Investments by multinationals in India, economic growth – 5th largest economy in terms of GDP, and substantial improvements in the image of India towards the outside world are some of the most notable achievements of the Modi government

Let’s us keep domestic matters within the country and work for a stable and strong India Due to higher levels of education and the internet, people can easily have their own opinions based on facts and not just fantasies They are not interested in a party or pretty politics They want better facilities and progress for themselves as well as for future generations

Gitanjali Aiyar was India's ace TV news anchor

With the passing away of Gitanjali Aiyar on June 7, 2023, India has lost one of the finest news anchors who was a pioneer in English news presentation on Doordarshan (national tv) with a flamboyance for over three decades

With her legendary voice and distinctive style, she made watching the news on television an absolute pleasure

In the late 70s and 80s, when the television audience in India was living on popular serials/programmes like Chitrahaar, Bharat Ek Khoj, Shaktimaan, Buniyaad, Wagle Ki Duniya and Arif Laila, the 9 00 pm primetime news was made so popular and fascinating by newsreaders like Gitanjali Aiyar, Minu Talwar, Neethi Ravindran, Salma Sultan, Nita Thomas, Dolly Thakore, Sarla Maheshwari, Luku Sanyal, Sheila Chaman, Ramu Damodaran, Rini Khanna, and so on It was also a time when watching the n e w s o n D o o r d a r s h a n w a s c o n s i d e r e d n e c e s s a r y t o improve one ’ s English

In an interview to a local news channel, Gitanjali Aiyar once said, "An autorickshaw driver in Dehradun would not take any money after dropping me off at the school where my son was studying, as he felt that we newsreaders were doing a lot for the nation "

Her departure leaves a huge void in Indian journalism

She was India's first news anchor to read the English news on television "This is Doordarshan news, Good evening and welcome " the headlines would read when she appeared on the small screen at night

Jub el D'Cruz

Spirituality among Generation Z

Spirituality among Generation Z, the demographic cohort born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, presents a unique and evolving landscape As a generation raised in an era of rapid technological advancements and cultural shifts, Gen Z approaches spirituality with a fresh perspective, blending tradition with modernity and exploring diverse paths to connect with the sacred

One notable characteristic of Gen Z's spirituality is its inclusive nature Members of this generation tend to embrace a broader definition of spirituality, one that transcends religious boundaries and allows for a personalised exploration of beliefs and practices They often prioritise authenticity and individuality, seeking spiritual experiences that resonate with their personal values and experiences

This can manifest in practices such as eco-spirituality, ethical consumption, and engagement in social causes that promote fairness and environmental stewardship

The digital age has significantly influenced Gen Z's spiritual exploration With access to vast amounts of information and online communities, young people can easily explore various spiritual traditions, philosophies, and practices Online platforms provide spaces for dialogue, connection, and the exchange of ideas, enabling Gen Z to engage with spirituality in a virtual realm

However, the rise of technology also poses challenges to Gen Z's spirituality The constant connectivity and digital distractions can make it difficult for individuals to find moments of stillness and reflection Striking a balance between the virtual and the tangible becomes essential for cultivating a meaningful spiritual life

Ketan Dattani

I cannot stress enough how important diversity is in today’s society The lack of South Asian diversity has been a s u b j e c t o f d e b a t e a n d c o n c e r n i n v a r i o u s f i e l d s , i n c l u d i n g m e d i a , entertainment, education, politics, and m o s t n o t a b l y t h e e n v i r o n m e n t a l s e c t o r S o u t h A s i a n s a r e o f t e n underrepresented or stereotyped in popular culture and media and their contributions and perspectives are often overlooked

Ketan Dattani

In 1993 when I studied for a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Biology and in 1997 when I studied for a M a s t e r ' s d e g r e e i n E n v i r o n m e n t a l P l a n n i n g a n d M a n a g e m e n t i t w a s i m m e d i a t e l y a p p a r e n t t h a t t h e d e m o g r a p h y o f m y c o u r s e s d i d n o t r e p r e s e n t t h e demography of the Universities at large

In 2000, when I entered the world of environmental recruitment it seemed the profession, especially at the d e c i s i o n - m a k i n g l e v e l , f r o m m y o w n e x p e r i e n c e , appeared largely dominated by white, middle-class males

The lack of diversity and the skills shortage in the environmental profession go hand in hand Diversity, not only diversity of skin colour or ethnicity but also of ability and disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and social background makes the environmental sector a stronger profession One that is better able to draw on the widest pool of talents and skills needed to tackle the environmental skills shortage crisis we currently face

At a time when the profession faces a crisis, in terms of the shortage the profession needs to be extending a w a r m w e l c o m e t o c o m p e t e n t e n v i r o n m e n t a l professionals from all diverse backgrounds There must be a positive culture of welcoming individuals into the p r o f e s s i o n a n d n o t r e s t r i c t i n g t h e i r a m b i t i o n s t o contribute to the profession In short, there must be a systemic and institutional, requiring holistic, multilayered solutions and evidence-based interventions

At Buckingham Futures, the aim is to attract a more diverse pool of candidates for our clients by creating change and making the environmental profession more inclusive, more welcoming, and more diverse

We understand that environmental concern and action – so often the precursors of a career within the sector – are not the preserve of any one social, ethnic, racial, or gender group So we need to understand:

• Why is that concern and action not translating into a professional career choice?

• W h a t b a r r i e r s p r e v e n t p e o p l e f r o m s e e i n g themselves as environmental professionals?

• How can we champion our profession as a profession for all and create more routes into it?

I t i s e n c o u r a g i n g t o n o t e t h a t e n v i r o n m e n t a l employers are now acknowledging the importance and benefits of inclusivity and diversity and are taking steps to ensure that this is given high priority in the future G r e a t e r e f f o r t i s e s s e n t i a l i n t e r m s o f w i d e n i n g accessibility for individuals from different backgrounds It is clear that the majority of those interested in pursuing a career in the environmental sector possess passion and enthusiasm and an unparalleled desire to make a lasting contribution to the vocation

Indian diaspora ruling the world

The Indian diaspora plays a significant role in shaping the w o r l d s s o c i a l , e c o n o m i c , a n d p o l i t i c a l l a n d s c a p e

According to The Economist, of the 281mn migrants spread around the globe today generally defined as people who live outside the country where they were born almost 18m are Indians, according to the latest UN estimates from 2020 Mexican migrants, the secondb i g g e s t g r o u p , n u m b e r j u s t 1 1 2 m C h i n e s e a b r o a d number 10 5m O u r d i p l o m a t i c i n f l u e n c e i n h o l d i n g i n f l u e n t i a l positions in politics, business, academia, and other sectors including yoga, our soft power and positively shapes the perception of India globally They contribute t o s t r e n g t h e n i n g b i l a t e r a l r e l a t i o n s , p r o m o t i n g collaboration, and advancing India's interests on the international stage With the UK PM Rishi Sunak and US Vice President Kamala Harris representing Indian roots in global superpowers, the Indian brain remains a key contributor to world politics and economic development We are an important anchor in bridging nations The Indian diaspora serves as a bridge between their host countries and India, facilitating trade, investment, and c u l t u r a l e x c h a n g e T h e y b u i l d s t r o n g c o n n e c t i o n s , promoting mutual understanding and collaboration Bharti

Is there a lack of diversity and inclusion in the environmental sector?

Hitesh Hing u

Perfect last-minute gift ideas for Father’s Day

W i th Fa the r' s Da y ju st around the corner, it's natural to feel overwhelmed when deciding what to gift the important father figu re s i n y our l if e W e understand the daunting task it can be, especially if you've on ly jus t real ized that Father's Day is coming up this Sunday (June 1 8, 2023) and we're here to l end a helping hand and g ui de yo u th roug h t he process

P ers on a l iz e d Ph oto B o ok : C r e a t e a c u s t o m p h o t o b o o k f e a t u r i n g memorable moments and cherished family photos

O utd oor Gr il l or B arbecue Set: If your dad enjoys grilling, a new grill or a set of high-quality barbecue tools can make for a fantastic gift

T ec h Ga dg ets : Consider gifting the latest t e c h g a d g e t s s u c h a s s m a r t w a t c h e s , h e a dphones, or a new smartphone, depending on your b u d g e t a n d y o u r d a d ' s interests

Hobby-related Gifts: If your father has a particular hobby or interest, consider getting him something related to that, such as golf clubs, fishing gear, or a new set of tools

Experience Gifts: Plan a special day or weekend getaway for your dad, such as a fishing trip, a spa day, or tickets to his favourite sports event or concert

Personal ized Engraved I te ms : F r o m e n g r a v e d w a t c h e s a n d w a l l e t s t o custom-made beer mugs or whiskey glasses, personalized gifts add a special touch and show thoughtfulness

Su bs c ri pti on B ox es : Explore various subscription box options tailored to your dad's preferences, w h e t h e r i t ' s g o u r m e t s n a c k s , c r a f t b e e r , o r grooming products

DIY Gift: Consider crea t i n g a h a n d m a d e g i f t , s u c h a s a c u s t o m - m a d e photo frame, a scrapbook, o r a h a n d w r i t t e n l e t t e r

80% Britons experiencing loneliness at least once a month

expressing your love and appreciation

Fi tn es s or W el l ne s s Gifts: If your dad is into f i t n e s s , c o n s i d e r f i t n e s s trackers, workout equipment, or a subscription to a fitness app Alternatively, you could opt for wellness-oriented gifts like a massage chair or a meditation app subscription

T ime To ge the r: Sometimes, the most precious gift is spending quality time with your dad Plan a day of activities he e n j o y s , s u c h a s h i k i n g , p l a y i n g g o l f , o r s i m p l y having a nice meal together R e m e m b e r , t h e b e s t g i f t i s o n e t h a t r e f l e c t s your father's interests and s h o w s y o u r l o v e a n d appreciation for him

Recent nationwide research has brought to light a disheartening fact: a staggering 80% of indi viduals in the UK experience feeli ngs of lonelines s at least once a m ont h Th i s re ve l at io n comes from an independent s ur ve y c on du ct ed b y Grainger plc, the country's l ar ge st l i s te d r es i d en ti a l landlord known for i ts comm uni t y- f oc us e d d ev el opments The study, based on responses from 2,000 Brits, f urt he r di s c lo se s tha t approxi mately one-third of the population (32%) admits to feeling lonely on a weekly b as i s , w hi le 14 % e n dur e loneli ness every single day

A s t o n i s h i n g l y , 6 0 % o f Brits confess that they do n o t h a v e a s i n g l e f r i e n d a m o n g t h e i r n e i g h b o u r s , with only 15% considering t h e i r n e i g h b o u r s t o b e friends The rise of hybrid and remote working models, which gained popularity

during the Covid-19 pan-

d e m i c , h a s f u r t h e r c o ntributed to this decline in h u m a n i n t e r a c t i o n W i t h more people working from home, the need for shared c o m m u n i t y s p a c e s h a s become more critical than ever Alarmingly, a mere 5% of the population believes t h a t t h e r e a r e e n o u g h shared spaces available to f o s t e r n e w f r i e n d s h i p s , underscoring the urgency f o r l a n d l o r d s t o t a k e responsibility for creating such spaces for neighbours to connect

Responding to these distressing findings, Grainger plc is calling upon individuals to recognize the importance of human interaction and to reach out to their neighbours As part of their initiative, they have introduced a new "Buddy Up" service on the MyGrainger Resident App, allowing new residents to post invitations

for coffee meetings or lunch dates within their development

Additionally, Grainger's r e s i d e n t i a l d e v e l o p m e n t s are purposefully designed with co-working spaces and communal lounges, providi n g r e s i d e n t s w i t h a m p l e o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o s o c i a l i z e with their neighbors These s h a r e d s p a c e s o f t e n h o s t free resident events, allowing individuals living in the building to attend and meet others who share common interests

M i c h a e l a M u l l e n , t h e D i r e c t o r o f C u s t o m e r Experience at Grainger plc acknowledged the growing p r o m i n e n c e o f r e m o t e w o r k i n g a n d t h e c o n s equent absence of traditional office spaces, highlighting the critical role that community spaces play in filling the void of human interaction and meaningful conversations

11th Year Pratishtha Mahotsav celebration

Mahavir Foundation celebrated the 11th Anniversary of their Pratishtha Mahotsav The three-day event involved a grand celebration and cultural programme on 10 June 2023

Full story in next week s issue of Asian Voice

ABPL hosts event to discuss women’s empowerment and achievements

As a part of golden jubilee celebrations, ABPL organised another zoom event about the women empowerment and achievement

Subhasini Naicker

As part of our special zoom series, women empowerment a n d a c h i e v e m e n t , d e d i c a t e d t o t h e B r i t i s h A s i a n w o m e n w a s o r g a n i s e d b y A s i a n V o i c e a n d Gujarat Samachar on 27th May 2 0 2 3 . D u r i n g t h i s e v e n t , w e d i s c u s s e d o n t h e p h e n o m e n a l contribution and success stories of British Asians women along with the difficulties faced by them and solutions to it

The event was followed by the e-launch of poetry collection book “Whispers of My Heart” written by D r J a y a s h r e e S h a h , w h i c h i s dedicated to her late mother The proceeds from the book sales of this h e a r t - t o u c h i n g p o e t r y c o l l e c t i o n will be used to restore vision and conduct cataract operation from extremely poor people residing in rural areas of India

CEO of Saheli Enfield, Krishna Pujara and Consulting editor of G u j a r a t S a m a c h a r , J y o t s n a S h a h moderated the event Singer Bharti Patel enthralled the participants with her melodious voice during the programme Dr Aashni Shah recited a few lines of poem during e-launch of book CB Patel, the Publisher and Editor-in-chief of A B P L g r o u p , c o n g r a t u l a t e d Jayshree Shah on her book and said, “Poetry is a start of life ”

M r s R u ch i G ha n a s hy a m , F o r m e r H i g h C o m m i s s i o n e r o f

lot of responsibility on your young shoulders I don't know if men face similar challenge Whether they are too young or old, I don't think it becomes such a big factor But for women, everything, every aspect of their work, is always a little bit underscrutiny And that's what I

a l w a y s t o l d m y c o l l e a g u e s a n d

I n d i a t o t h e U K , s a i d , “ I t i s important on how women is being viewed in our society, culture and religion We have female goddesses, great women in our history, queens who fought battles and many role models throughout the ages, that we can look upon as inspiration And yet, when it comes to our society, or day to day life we have an image of a woman who is kept on a pedestal, as a baby, as a mother, as someone you have to respect and revere On the other hand, there are many issues and obstacles we face, i n c l u d i n g t h e m i s t r e a t m e n t , oppressed or downtrodden women, a n d w o m e n w h o a r e u n a b l e t o reach their full potential Because t h e y a r e t r a i n e d a n d r a i s e d t o simply fulfil the expectations of the family, they are unable to even dream of having any goals On the one hand, we have a society that values women, and on the other, we have the same culture that still has a l o n g w a y t o g o i n t e r m s o f women's status The hurdles that women experience on their journey to empowerment are the reason why the event you are holding is so crucial,” she said

She said, “When a woman joins a good profession, or achieves a good position, there is always a certain amount of bias that she has to contend with I remember when I went as high commissioner for the first time; I was in my late 40s, which was fairly young for a high commissioner Oh, you have such a

e s p e c i a l l y y o u n g e r w o m e n colleagues, that they must work doubly hard and they have to be perfect, because if a man is not good, he only will be blamed But if a w o m a n i s n o t g o o d , t h e n a l l women get blamed ” “ S o , e a c h w o m a n w h o h a s reached somewhere in her life or a c h i e v e d s o m e t h i n g h a s a responsibility towards all the other women to make sure that nobody gets judged adversely because of them There are so many women who need role models I think every woman must find a role model in herself, to mentor somebody or to reach out to people, to present yourself to people to be able to encourage others and be the role model for them So, that women f e e l c o n f i d e n t e n o u g h t o c o m e forward,” she added Ruchi said, “Now this journey that women undertake is not just a journey for women alone I don't t h i n k t h i s j o u r n e y c a n e v e r b e s u c c e s s f u l u n l e s s , w e h a v e t h e c o o p e r a t i o n a n d s u p p o r t o f t h e men in our lives We are like the wheels of the car I mean, one wheel cannot take the car forward at all; all the wheels have to move to take the vehicle forward It is invariably the support of a loving father, very s u p p o r t i v e a n d e n c o u r a g i n g husband Sons and brothers are also s o m e o n e w h o e n c o u r a g e s t h e woman to go forward ” Kr i sh n a Pu j a r a s a i d , “ I f y o u dream of something then don't just l e t i t s i t i n y o u r m i n d , b u t d o s o m e t h i n g a b o u t i t a n d y o u r

are still immortal in the pages of history Even in Western countries i n c l u d i n g B r i t a i n , t h e h i s t o r i c a l g l o r y o f I n d i a n w o m e n i s v e r y inspiring for all of us Among the five most inspiring Indian British women for women empowerment such as Princess Sophie of Punjab, Cornelia Sorabji, Indira Devi, Noor Inayat Khan and Karpal Sandhu ” W r i t e r a n d p r o f e s s o r , U sha Upa dh ya y said, “ It is my

awakening your latent power If

dreams will come through We have b e e n c a m p a i g n i n g f o r p a r i t y i n terms of how we can work together and have equal rights, or pay within t h e s a l a r i e s a n d a l l t h a t a n d m e n t o r i n g S o , w o m e n w a l k e d together and we want support from men as well And obviously, we don't walk behind men, we want to walk together and see how we can a l l m a k e a d i f f e r e n c e t o t h e community ”

M a n a g i n g e d i t o r o f G u j a r a t S a m a c h a r , Ko k il a P a t e l s a i d ,

“Women's roles and contributions are crucial to the development of the family and society A society like this develops and becomes robust

This is best illustrated by our ABPL group Our inspiring and Editor-inC h i e f C B P a t e l h a s g i v e n g r e a t priority to women empowerment

Texts from the Rigveda and the U p a n i s h a d s i n d i c a t e t h a t t h e r e were many women were sages like Gargi and Maitreyi The immortal stories of heroic women like Rani

pleasure to interact with you all t h r o u g h t h i s p r o g r a m t o d a y Respected C B Patel sir is highly r e g a r d e d t o m e I m u s t s a y J a y s h r e e b e n w e l l s a i d a b o u t

f e m a l e p o w e r i s a w a k e n e d a n d works in a positive manner, then there can be no problem anywhere in the world ” She said, “ C B Patel is the link b e t w e e n u s , a n d I g e t t h e impression that you are interested i n t h e w o r k w e p e r f o r m o n women's empowerment The role o f a m o t h e r v a r i e s a r o u n d t h e world, however depending on the s i t u a t i o n , a w o m a n m a y b e honoured or ignored In this case, if there is actually a platform and support for the empowerment of women, then their influence can advance society much further It has been figuratively stated all over t h e w o r l d t h a t w h e n s o c i e t y advances by excluding the woman who is entitled to half the sky and half the earth, she is not exercising 5 0 % o f h e r p o w e r T h i s disadvantage has to happen to the s o c i e t y i n t h e l o n g r u n W e c o m b i n e w o m e n ' s e n e r g i e s t o

advance society, and this is where the wisdom lies If efforts are made c o n s i s t e n t l y a n d i n a p l a n n e d manner, positive results can be attained ” " T h e s o c i e t y w i l l p r o f i t i f i t makes use of the enormous power that women possess In order to maximise the strength that women p o s s e s s , i n i t i a t i v e s l i k e W o m e n E m p o w e r m e n t a n d A c h i e v e m e n t should be maintained People who are conscious can accomplish a lot o f w o r k i f t h e y b a n d t o g e t h e r , coordinate their efforts, and include numerous sisters", she added

Usha said, "Education gained a distinct dimension after the arrival of Mahatma Gandhi He freed the women confined within the four walls and joined the free flow in the freedom struggle and doors to education began to open We know t h e a c h i e v e m e n t s o f e d u c a t e d women Today, there is no greater pride than having a woman as the President of India ”

Book launch of 'Whisper of my Hearts'

L i n g B u d d h i s t C e n t r e , Gordo n Ellis said, “Jayshree offers us a beautiful fragrant garland t h a t p o e m s , t h a t l e t g o a n d immerse yourself to abandon the c r i t i c a l f a c u l t y a n d o p e n y o u r h e a r t T h e P o e m s n u r t u r e , i n s p i r e , a n d e n c o u r a g e u s t o a s p i r e t o a b o u n t i f u l l i f e w e l l

Dr Jaysh ree Shah, the author of 'Whisper of my Hearts', said, “The first launch of book was d o n e i n M u m b a i o n m y 7 5 t h b i r t h d a y T h e b o o k i s s e l fpublished with only 350 copies It is dedicated to my late mother

The book is created to raise the funds for blind people And most important, I want to leave a legacy for my grandchildren and family

The journey is very challenging and it's a self-discovery It's a h u m a n e x p e r i e n c e w i t h a n a u t h e n t i c v o i c e o f w i t h i n , i s through the emotions And the j o u r n e y i s w i t h t h e n a t u r e , rainbow, birds, animals, cosmos, and the stars and the joy and in the pain and the pleasure and the stories of all human beings ”

“ T h i s book i s n o t a o n e p e r s o n ' s w o r k I t ' s t e a m w o r k T h e r e i s a n u n f l i n c h i n g a n d unconditional support from the i n c e p t i o n t o t h e e n d o f m y husband who has helped me all the way I think readers have been very enthusiastic and given me immense warmth and the love for this book, which was beyond any of my expectations There is a philanthropic cause behind it I want to raise funds for the blind people We have UK based charity and through various ways we have r a i s e d m o n e y u p t o 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 pounds so far, my friends and family have raised up to 7,000 pounds, a lot of confidence has been given by CB Patel to raise m o r e a n d m o r e m o n e y I n d i a accounts for 62% of the total blind people in the world and more than 7 4 million people in India suffer blindness due to cataract and 80 per cent of it can be cured by a simple surgery ” Spiritual Director of Khando

lived These poems exemplify the attitude and disposition we can all b e n e f i t f r o m c u l t i v a t i n g a n d b e c o m i n g e n r i c h e d t h e r e b y I t remind us of our oneness with all other sentient beings and with the cosmos, and call upon us to let go, and rediscover our authentic self These poems are truly the act of a loving mother showing her unconditional love for all ” M a n a g e m e n t T r a i n e r , David Mo rton said, “ I've seen a letter from 10 Downing Street, where the Prime Minister and his wife have acknowledged receipt o f t h e b o o k , a n d h a v e acknowledged what an incredible

Group editor, Mahesh Liloriya s a i d , “ T h e b o o k w r i t t e n b y Jayshreeben Shah is an inspiring and a special poem book which invites you to shed tears of pain and joy, but also to travel through nature The cosmos and along the way, meet the squirrels rainbow in Soul with the whispers and words I urge you, all of you to contribute to this noble cause and as CB sir said we are committed to c o m m u n i t y a n d a l l t h e n o b l e causes uplift the community ” Executive Director Nandini R a v a l a n d G e n e r a l S e c r e t a r y B h u s h a n P u n a n i f r o m B l i n d People Association (BPA) praised a u t h o r J a y s h r e e S h a h a n d h e r philanthropy work F o u n d e r o f P o s i t i v e S i g h t Charity, Dr Rajnikant Shah gave vote of thanks

a c t o f h u m a n k i n d n e s s t h e fundraising for positive side has been, and is appreciated by many B u t l o o k i n g t h r o u g h a l l t h e feedback, many of the words used b y t h e w r i t e r s a r e w o r d s l i k e inspiring, uplifting, charming But the comments that stood out to m e t h a t p e o p l e h a v e w r i t t e n who've seen the book are words s u c h a s g i v i n g w i n g s t o o n e ' s imagination, well penned in from the heart, topical and relevant, and my pillow book ”

Krishna Pujara

Ruchi Ghanashyam

Usha Upadhyay

Jayshree Shah

Gordan Ellis

David Morton

Bharti Patel

Nandini Raval

Bhushan Punani

Rajnikant Shah

‘Exodus: Asia, Africa, Europe’ brings the story of Indian migrants to the stage

Anusha Singh

‘ Exo dus: Asia, Africa, E u r o p e ’ i s a c o mp elling narrative that d raws i ns p i rat io n f ro m th e r eal - li fe e xp e ri enc e s o f Indian migrants who resettled in Uganda o nl y to b e f or ci bly expelled by Idi Amin i n 19 7 2 , e ven tu a lly f i ndi n g r ef u ge in England

At its heart of the play, lies the captivating tale of Jiji and her daughter Reema, as they navigate their lives in the United Kingdom, haunted by the absence of Jiji's husband who vanished in Uganda amidst the chaos T h e m y s t e r y s u r r o u n d i n g h i s f a t e leaves Jiji clinging onto hope, uncertain whether he is still alive While Jiji reminisces about her profound journey from India to the shores of Africa, the story delves into the lives of Jiji and Reema during the 1970s in the UK, exploring the challenges and triumphs they encounter along the way I n a c o n v e r s a t i o n w i t h A s i a n Voice, producer Lata Desai shared t h a t t h e i n s p i r a t i o n a n d t h e i d e a b e h i n d b r i n g i n g t h i s s t o r y o f t h e Exodus to the stage was a heritage p r o j e c t c a l l e d ‘ G u j a r a t i Y a t r a –Journey of a people’ Desai worked on this project with oral historian Rolf Killius and the project explored the journey of the Gujarati diaspora from I n d i a t o A f r i c a a n d t h e n B r i t a i n

Tharoor siblings to share an intimate account of their beloved mother at Bradford Literature Festival

through oral history interviews of numerous people who had made this journey

“These personal stories were so powerful that they had to be told in a creative way and hence the idea of incorporating these testimonies in a play came to life It is inspired by reallife journey of people across the oceans - their regrets, tears, joys and aspirations”, she said Lata and her team met more than 50 people who were part of the exodus and decided to create the upcoming production as a retelling of their stories through a fictional She explains that “there is a general amnesia in the school curriculum where this history is hardly told Hence, we decided to create this production to retell their stories through a fictional play ”

She feels that the representation of South Asian diaspora is not adequate in terms of the story-telling in t h e a t r e p l a y s a n d s t o r i e s l i k e t h e

‘ E x o d u s ’ h e l p w i d e r c o m m u n i t i e s understand the hardships of the diaspora

Funded by Arts Council England with Mukul Ahmed at the helm, the play is written by Raminder Kaur while oral historian, Rolf Killius has helped make it an authentic experience The play will take the stage on 18th June at Rich Mix

The Bradford Literature F estival (BLF) is a yearly celebratio n and ongoing cu ltural outreach initiative that brings to gether a rich tapestry of literature, music, th eatre, cultu ral dialogues, lectu res, and family-oriented activities The 2023 editio n of the festival is set to take place from 23rd June to 2nd July

The festival is bringing t h e T h a r o o r s i b l i n g sShobha, Smita and Shashi together to share an intim a t e a c c o u n t o f t h e i r beloved mother and ironw i l l e d w o m a n , L i l y Tharoor The siblings will discuss their mother’s life story chronicled in the book

‘ G o o d I n n i n g s : T h e E x t r a o r d i n a r y , O r d i n a r y L i f e o f L i l y T h a r o o r ’ b y

Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan

“What makes our programme and audiences "diverse", is the fact that we programme for our p r i m a r y a u d i e n c e : t h e p e o p l e o f B r a d f o r d Bradford has a long history of migration, from the Irish and Jewish German, to South Asian and

INNINGS:

Lily Tharoor was driven by her fierce independence and ambition and consistently urged her children to e m b r a c e u n c o n v e n t i o n a l thinking According to Lily, the only foundation strong enough to rely on is the one that you create through your own endeavours Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan beautifully blends personal reflections, valuable life lessons, and profound philosophical insights in her book

Apart from the ‘Good Innings’ event, Syima Aslam, Director and Founder of the Bradford Literature Festival expressed her opinion on the inclusion of the South Asian diaspora in the festival to Asian Voice “Quite simply, arts, culture and literature have the power to change lives And everyone should have access to that, including those in the South Asian community”, she said

Syrian There are over 150 languages spoken here ”

She also discussed the showcase of the rich and varied culture of the South Asian diaspora at the festival including– “ Navin Kundra and the 515 Crew’s live concert celebrating the golden era of Bollywood cinema and a conversation with Vasay Chaudhry, one of Pakistan’s best-loved and most well-known public figures in screen and media ”

“Our aim isn't to merely list identities and devise a range of events for each Our offering is designed to widen interests and stimulate conversation and curiosity”, she said

SHOBHA THAROOR SRINIVASAN

DR SHASHI THAROOR SMITA THAROOR

GOOD

THE EXTRAORDINARY, ORDINARY LIFE OF LILY THAROOR

Priti Patel and Kulveer Ranger honoured

Former Home Se creta ry Pri ti Pa tel has recei ved a

Da mehood as Bori s Johns on b es tow ed a se ries of pre sti gious hon ours upon his poli tical ai des and allie s to mark his res ign ation as prime min is ter las t ye ar Kulveer Ran ger, who s erved as the d irector of tra ns port durin g Johns on's tenure as Mayor of L on don, ha s b een eleva ted to the House of Lords , alongs ide Sha un Baile y, who contes ted the 2021 Lon don may oral race b ut lost to the La bour can dida te, Sadiq Khan

Priti Patel praised Boris Johnson, stating, "He led the world in supporting Ukraine, accomplished Brexit, and became our most electorally successful prime minister since Margaret Thatcher Boris is a political titan whose legacy will endure the test of time " Johnson had supported Patel during an internal inquiry into allegations of her bullying of civil servants while she served as Home Secretary

Expressing gratitude on Twitter, Kulveer Ranger stated, "I would like to express my special thanks to the former Prime Minister Boris Johnson for this honour I am proud of our achievements and look forward to continuing my passionate advocacy and improvement in the years ahead " In a personal statement published on social media, Kulveer Ranger wrote, “It is with great pride I can confirm that I have been elevated to the House of Lords This recognition is not just mine but I share with my family and friends, the Sikh community, and many industry colleagues and The Conservative Party friends - all of whom I’ve had the pleasure to be supported by and stand shoulder to shoulder with over the last twenty-five years I would like to give special thanks to the former Prime Minister Boris Johnson for this honour I am proud of what we achieved and I now look forward to continuing to champion and improve the things that I am passionate about in the years ahead ”

The release of Johnson's honours list faced significant delays following his resignation in 2022, which reignited criticism of the system that allows outgoing prime ministers to nominate individuals for lifetime seats in the House of Lords and other awards upon leaving office

Notable among the recipients of knighthoods were Jacob Rees-Mogg and Simon Clarke, prominent Conservative politicians

Martin Reynolds, a senior civil servant and former principal private secretary to Johnson, was honoured with the Order of the Bath for his public service Reynolds had previously faced scrutiny when he organized a drinks event in the Downing Street garden during the lockdown

measures in May 2020, leading to concerns about propriety

Furthermore, Johnson granted a peerage to his former chief of staff, Dan Rosenfield, and bestowed the Commander of the Order of the British Empire honour upon Jack Doyle, his former director of communications Both individuals played significant roles in Johnson's administration, including during the organization of events in Downing Street amid the lockdowns

Angela Rayner, the deputy leader of the Labour Party, condemned Johnson's honours list as a "sickening insult," while an anonymous Conservative member of parliament described it as "deeply embarrassing," highlighting Johnson's apparent lack of remorse

Rumours circulating earlier suggested that Johnson's father, Stanley Johnson, would be knighted, which sparked public outrage and accusations of cronyism However, Stanley Johnson's name was conspicuously absent from the list

Johnson also approved honours for Conservative party politicians who have recently been involved in controversies Ben Houchen, the Mayor of Tees Valley, received a peerage despite facing an investigation into allegations of mismanagement at a redevelopment project, which he denies Conor Burns, who was previously dismissed from the government due to a misconduct claim but was later cleared by an internal party investigation, was knighted

The highest honour was bestowed upon Bill Cash, who will become a Companion of Honour in recognition of his significant contributions to the arts, science, medicine, and government over a prolonged period

Notably absent from the list, despite previous speculation, were Johnson's former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries and his UN Climate Change Conference Chairman Alok Sharma Their inclusion in the House of Lords would have necessitated challenging by-elections, as they would have been required to resign as Members of Parliament in the House

INDIANS FORM LARGEST UPAID CARERS IN UK

Continued from page 1

Therefore, caregiving by family or friends among the diaspora rests largely on trusts and close networks and can vary from a small gesture to nursing and taking care of the overall well-being including chores on a daily basis

New research released for Carers Week found that half of the UK population have had some experience of providing unpaid care to an older or d i s a b l e d o r i l l r e l a t i v e o r f r i e n d Nearly three-quarters of people with experience in caring hadn’t identified themselves as unpaid carers –approximately 19 million across the UK Nearly one-third of people said that providing unpaid care had a negative impact on their health and well-being – approximately 8 million people across the UK The seven charities supporting Carers Week in 2023 –

C a r e r s U K , A g e U K , C a r e r s Trust, Motor Neurone Disease

A s s o c i a t i o n , O x f a m G B , Rethink Mental Illness, and The Lewy Body Society – are calling for the Government to deliver cross-UK Government action to support unpaid carers

In a report published in The Guardian in January, it was said that unpaid carers have told the Guardian t h e y h a v e l o s t f r i e n d s h i p s , g o n e through marriage breakdowns, been hospitalised and even contemplated suicide because of the pressures of caring for a loved one with limited help According to the 2021 census data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were approximately 4 7 million unpaid carers in England and approximately 310,000 unpaid carers in Wales Out of these approximately 5 million unpaid carers, 553,224 are from ethnic minority communities in England and out of that, Indians are the largest, forming 2 2% of all carers

In Scotland, the number of care r s i s e s t i m a t e d t o b e a r o u n d 700,000 to 800,000 from 2019 data Carers UK estimated in June 2020 that an additional 4 5 million people had become unpaid carers since the pandemic began They said that 2 8 million people who had started caring since the outbreak were also balancing paid work and care

London has the highest number of ethnic minority unpaid carers, making them one in three 47,034 such carers are from the Indian community, making it the largest population again They are also the largest number of people from working age group and have poor health

Virendra Sharm a M P pled ges to raise awareness

V i r e n d r a S h a r m a M P h a s pledged to support unpaid carers across Ealing Southall this Carers Week, which took place this year from 5-11 June 2023 Mr Sharma attended an event in Parliament to mark Carers Week and met with unpaid carers to hear about and better understand their experiences of caring, how carers could be better identified, and what support they now need He said, “Unpaid carers in Ealing Southall provide crucial support to friends and family members, often without any time out for themselves The value of the support t h e y p r o v i d e i s s t a g g e r i n g - t h e equivalent of a second NHS It is i m p o r t a n t t h a t t h e i r e f f o r t s a r e recognised and that they are given the support they need to care safely and well for their loved ones I am

port they need and get the breaks they deserve I back the call for more Government action in support of unpaid carers ” Scotland saw an unprecedented gathering of MSPs at the Scottish Parliament for Carers Week, led by the First Minister, Humza Yousaf It

mortgage

It’s changed me as a person too As a career-minded person, I was very strong, tough I now still have to be assertive but in a different way I have to be a calmer person I remember meeting my friends from my old workplace and they just said, “ everything in you has changed ”

“My sister needs a hoist now as she cannot stand Finally, after nearl y t w o y e a r s o f w a i t i n g w e g o t trained, but my sister's condition has deteriorated so much that we have now been instructed against hoisting her As she is now in a very high-risk category it has added on additional burden and stress on myself

“Sometimes I just want my own space to think But I don’t have that I can't even think about going out for dinner or lunch, or meeting with friends

Because I know that something will come up and I’ll have to cancel it

“There’s nothing that makes things better It’s constant If you get a call, you ’ ve got to deal with it Visits to the GP surgery, hospital stays There’s no time for me

w a s a n o p p o r t u n i t y t o r a i s e t h e issues facing unpaid carers

Nearly 16,00 0 of old er Asian carers su ffer from a form of disability

C ar o li ne A br ah am s, c h ar it y d irector at A ge U K told us, “The 2021 Census tells us that there are more t h a n 3 6 0 , 0 0 0 A s i a n c a r e r s i n England and Wales, equivalent to 1 in 15 Asian people, almost 40,000 of whom are aged 65 or older Many will be struggling with their own health conditions – in fact, nearly 16,000 of these older Asian carers have a disability themselves – while valiantly looking after their loved o n e s C a r i n g i s a n e x t r a o r d i n a r y e x p e r i e n c e t h a t b r i n g s m a n y rewards, but it is also hard work There is a lot to cope with and, although most older carers take on their responsibilities willingly, we m u s t n ’ t e x p e c t t h e m t o m a n a g e without support Yet all too often that’s the reality, with the whole social care system relying on the goodwill and unpaid labour of mill i o n s o f d e d i c a t e d f a m i l i e s a n d f r i e n d s M a n y c a r e r s g o w i t h o u t proper breaks, unable to take the time to look after themselves and r i s k i n g c o l l a p s e u n d e r p r e s s u r e , which would leave both them and the person they love in a crisis situation With the next General Election approaching, we want politicians on all sides to look afresh at what they are prepared to do to support this much-overlooked army of valuable citizens in our communities ” Carers need m ore suppo rt from the system to have their life back

A c c o r d i n g t o a f i r s t - p e r s o n account published by carersweek org in association with Age UK, a carer named Rasila wrote, “I’m a carer for m y y o u n g e r s i s t e r w h o h a s a n advanced stage of dementia She’s at the end of life now and is under the care of a palliative team I had to give up my full-time job working for American Express to take on board caring for my sister Prior to this, I was also a carer for my elderly parents Caring for my parents was manageable alongside my full-time job, but with my sister, her condition deteriorated so rapidly that it wasn’t possible to carry on with my job

“This completely changed my world I suddenly didn’t have the money coming in I was not even a pensionable age at the time, so I had to dig into my savings to pay for my

“I used to love reading and used to love going to the library, going for walks It’s all gone I have no life of my own My sister is constantly in my mind I need more support from the system to have some sort of my life back ”

Ethnic m inority carers are m ore likely to be worried abo ut their finances

Emily Holzhausen OBE, Carers UK Directo r o f Policy and P ublic

A ffairs told Asian Voice, “Unpaid carers ’ advice to others who are caring is that the most important thing you can do is to ensure that you get the support you need early because it h e l p s s u p p o r t y o u r h e a l t h , w e l lbeing and finances This is particularly true from carers from ethnic minorities who say that this helps to care for longer Carers UK’s research has also found that carers from ethnic minorities are more likely to be worried about their finances But people providing unpaid care are not always routinely recognised or supported and that’s particularly true of carers from ethnic minorities where a s s u m p t i o n s c a n b e m a d e a b o u t communities providing more care C o m m u n i t i e s c a n d e f i n i t e l y h e l p identify unpaid carers and signposts t o s u p p o r t t h e m N o t e v e r y o n e wants to call themselves a carer and they don’t have to in order to get support But people do need to recognise what they do ”

Estim ated the valu e of unpaid care is equ iv alent to a second NHS

The YouGov research, using a poll of 4,000 adults across the UK, found 50 per cent of the population has had some sort of experience of providing unpaid care, either now (20 per cent of the population) or in the past (30 per cent) Of these people, a staggering 73 per cent had not identified as unpaid carers, translating to a staggering 19 million people Women are far more likely to care earlier and have a 50:50 chance of doing so by the time they are 46, men have the same likelihood by the time they are 57 – 11 years later Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of NHS England tweeted: “Unpaid carers are essential partners for the NHS, whose incredible contributions each and every day we should all recognise and value Thank you, e s p e c i a l l y t o m y N H S c o l l e a g u e s who also care for someone, for all that you do ”

Boris Johnson

Virendra Sharma MP

Seema Bhattia: Modern Ayurvedic Beauty

Sunetra Senior

See ma brings the balm of Ayurvedic se l f-ca r e t o t he bust l in g mod e rn metropolis The organ ic af icion ado uses a ran ge of time-honoured salubrious prod uct s th at can be work ed in to an eve ryda y busy routine for the hol istic ben efit of one ’ s state of wellbein g: from hair oil an d fruity fa ce scrubs to person al health, includin g diet, sleep, bre athing, work an d even optimising daily structure Seema ca n recomme nd the revitalisin g spiritual mak eover that w ould be best for you Food is in terestin gly central to the expert’s w holesome pra ctice who prior ran a successful supper club and boutique tea busin ess in Hong Kong w he re she chie f ly ut ilise d n at ur al in gr e die n ts t o mak e h er rich ye t w hol esome Sout hAsian cuisine “You are what you eat any-

Cobra Beer wins big at the 2023 Monde Selection Awards

way: 75% of my sk incare is so pure that y ou ca n co n sum e i t! ” H e r en te r p rise therefore was dubbed PRANAYUM! It is not unusua l today, for example to spy Seema w alking a bout the house w ith the “pulp of mango ” on he r face or have inf used a culin ary rainbow of other edible eleme nts such as “coffe e, berries, matcha, yoghurt, Turmeric, le mongrass, rice an d cin n a m on ” i n to a w id e co l le c tio n of be a t if ic c ol o ur f u l t in ct ur e s S h e a l so offers helpful pie ces of advice such as having “ 20 crimson cherries before bedtime ” should you w ant a good n ight’s sleep, or attempting “ one avocado a day” for the joy of healthy nourished skin that origina te s “from within”!

***

Going beyond the simple concept of beauty then Seema’s Ayurvedic approach highlights the entire healing lifestyle on which the allure of that world is based Glowing skin, happy smiles, a toned body and shiny hair are not simply meant to be for the sake of appearance, but rather represent the robust health that underlies these attractive features “I’ve never been caught up in the superficialities,” the con-

t e m p o r a r y g u r u told us: “It runs in m y f a m i l y t h a t w e ’ r e c o n c e r n e d p r i n c i p a l l y w i t h p e o p l e ’ s w e l l b e i n g ” T h e m a i n s t r e a m world of beauty does tend to stop and start at the surface, chasing merely profit o v e r l o n g - t e r m i n n e r s u s t a i n a b i l i t y Conversely, nurturing inherited wisdom through the trials and tribulations of her own eventful life, Seema offers the oppor-

SEEMA BHATTIA

Cobra Beer has received 8 Gold medals at the Monde S el ec ti o n Awa rds 202 3 i n Brussels T his achievement ele vates th ei r to tal me dal tally to an astounding 145, cementing the brand’s statu s a s o n e o f th e mo s t awarded beers in th e world F o u n d e d i n 1 9 6 1 , t h e Monde Selection, a worldr e n o w n e d I n t e r n a t i o n a l I n s t i t u t e f o r Q u a l i t y Selection- it evaluates, tests and awards a diverse range of consumer products from around the globe for their outstanding quality

Winning at such a distinguished platform is a testament to the exceptional quality, innovative brewing techniques, and relentless pursuit of excellence that Cobra Beer embodies

This year's success story is dedicated to the incredib l e b r e w m a s t e r s a n d t h e d e d i c a t e d t e a m a t C o b r a B e e r a n d M o l s o n C o o r s Their commitment to creating a uniquely smooth and drinkable beer continues to receive recognition on an i n t e r n a t i o n a l s t a g e , a n d t h e s e e i g h t g o l d m e d a l s s e r v e a s a w e l l - d e s e r v e d acknowledgement of their talent and hard work

These eight gold medals reaffirm their commitment t o d e l i v e r i n g u n p a r a l l e l e d quality to their consumers

Insight UK hosts author Rajiv Malhotra's book launch in London

Insight UK, a social movement of the British Hindu an d I n di an co m mu ni ti es , s u cc es s fu l ly h o st ed a n ex c lu s iv e e ven t f eat u ri ng renowned Indian American au t h o r, a ca dem ic a nd th o u g h t l ead er, Raj i v Malho tra T he event too k place on Saturday, 10 June in Lo ndon, and saw the enthusiastic particip ation of the British Indian diaspora

The evening served as a m o m e n t o u s o c c a s i o n t o launch Rajiv's highly anticipated book, Ten Heads of R a v a n a - A C r i t i q u e o f Hinduphobic Scholars" The book is an anthology which e x p o s e s H i n d u p h o b i c

s c h o l a r s w h o s e Freudian psycho-analys i s o f H i n d u i s m p r oduces outcomes which are both incorrect and u n a c c e p t a b l e t o Hindus Rajiv in his talk to a packed audience said that Hinduphobia has existed for a very long time, in many forms and is cont i n u o u s l y e v o l v i n g H e d e f i n e d H i n d u p h o b i a a s p a r t i c u l a r d o c t r i n e s a n d methodology driven by an agenda, producing certain k i n d s o f r e s u l t s o n Hinduism

The second book to be exclusively launched at the event was 'Varna, Jati, Caste’

a primer on Indian social s t r u c t u r e s R a j i v s t r e s s e d t h a t A m b e d k a r m u s t b e studied to succeed against the battle on ‘Caste’ that has a r r i v e d o n t h e w e s t e r n shores aimed at attacking the Hindu diaspora and disempowering them

The audience had the opportunity to interact with the author, gaining deeper i n s i g h t s i n t o t h e t h e m e s explored in the books

tunity to fundamentally remedy our normal everyday oversights to potently build the precious personal vigour: “Ayurveda is India’s science of life and is the philosophical sister to yoga, ” the sage instainfluencer elaborated: “there is a strong focus on natural self-care This extends to our very routine: one that should be followed upon rising This includes tonguescraping, mediation and bathing You must further eat in alignment with your body type and nature throughout the course of the day Of course, the teachings are more accessible when adapted to this age, which I do when I prescribe someone their better lifestyle, continuing to preserve the substance of tradition ” This thorough physicalising of loving s e l f - a p p r e c i a t i o n a l l o w s o n e t o t r u l y experience life as happy and whole! As with the microcosmic athletic practice of yoga, there is relaxation of the consciousness as well as opening up of the spirit broadly Here, Seema aptly commented: “following Ayurvedic beauty is to really be It is not merely mindfulness – it goes deeper than that There is an interconn e c t e d n e s s w i t h i n t h e s u r r o u n d i n g world ” Not only does Ayurvedic beauty positively align the body with the mind but moreover beautifully values the timeless gift of the subterranean soul You can call it Vedic alchemy!

I: https://www instagram com/pranayum by seema/?hl=en-gb

W: https://coffeeandconversations in/wellness/ayurvedic-winter-prescriptions/

“To follow Ayurvedic beauty is to really be. It is not merely mindfulness – it goes deeper than that"

Book launch by Insight UK

Yoga: The union of “self” and “supreme consciousness”

Yoga, an age-old discipline, has its roots in ancient India during the 5th century B C E Over time, its influence has transcended borders, spreading to every corner of the globe The practice of yoga helps with anxiety, stress and depression and with heart condition and increases the feelings of wellbeing It aids recovery and helps provide the confidence and motivation

International Yoga Day is celebrated on the 21st of June, since its inception in 2015 The theme for this year s celebration is Humanity’ The aim is to spread awareness about the holistic nature of yoga and to promote the practice for better health

Yoga prodigy on a mission

I s h w a r S h a r m a , a n 1 1 - y e a r - o l d w i t h Indian origins residing in Kent, has emerged as an exceptional talent in the field of yoga

Influenced by his father Dr Vishwanath Sharma, Ishwar started practicing yoga when he was just 3-years-old and has an impressive tally of five world championships

Ishwar is on a mission to make yoga “cool” for the GenZ “When I do cool yoga postures it wows the audience and lots of kids want to take up yoga ” , he said His particular focus lies in reaching out to children with special needs, aiming to make yoga accessible and beneficial to them He is an advocate of the yoga lifestyle and emphasises that “It is the lifestyle we all should have to prevent climate change and for a better peaceful world ”

I s h w a r b e l i e v e s i n “ Y o g a h a k a r m a s u kaushalam”, which means Yoga is a skill in action and describes the union of “the self” to “ supreme consciousness ” Yoga helps to

keep the body and mind in the correct frame to achieve that “My wish is that yoga and meditation be included in the school curriculum as an option along with others so kids can choose it”, he added further

Ishwar tries to practice asana for 15 to 30 minutes on the weekdays and extends his practice to an hour on the weekends Yoga helps this 12-year-old prodigy relax, focus better and has made him more disciplined He is a yoga teacher and trains his peers in this practice, strengthening his commitment as well

Yoga: a global practice

Despite its origin in India, Yoga has turned out to be a global practice and has g a i n e d m a j o r p o p u l a r i t y i n C a n a d a , Singapore, Australia and Ireland In the past decade, it has gained major traction in the UK as well

In addition, an increasing number of individuals embark on journeys to yoga retreats across the globe, seeking to elevate their y o g a p r o f i c i e n c y a n d o b t a i n c e r t i f i c a t i o n a s qualified yoga instructors Destinations such as Bali, Ibiza, Thailand, a n d o f c o u r s e , I n d i a , stand as prominent hubs f o r t h e t h r i v i n g y o g a t o u r i s m i n d u s t r y , e x p a n d i n g i n s i z e a n d popularity with each passing year

According to Di O’Reilly, British Wheel of Yoga Chair, the travel between Europe

and India led to a cultural exchange that led to the European interests in physical fitness influencing yoga and eastern modalities Yoga, on the other hand, became influential in the west - the best of both worlds!

“ W i t h s o m e i n s p i r a t i o n a l y o g i s teaching in the west by the twentieth century, yoga caught on and fused with our growing interest in fitness and wellness perfectly Also, yoga brought a spiritual and philosophical aspect to personal wellness that I believe was needed in the west”, he said Growing evidence of yoga's beneficial effects

Mind is the reflection of Sankalpa and Vikalpa: Shree Madhavpriyadasji Swami

“Hinduism and t he Ve das ar e supe rior t o an y ot her script ur es The whole scie nce toda y ca nn ot g o beyon d quan tum, but our Rishi M un is re ached bey ond t he qua nt um t hrough t he mind Our Ve das sa id that t he mind is spee diest t ha n li g h t M in d is a ct iv e a n d t h e a ctiven ess is be ca use of consciousne ss p r ovi de d by A a tm a w hich is full o f D i v in e L i g h t c a ll e d Pr a g n a O u r Sh astra s ar e our gre at he rita ge which is n ot with a ny of t he r eligions of t he wor ld Tha t’s why we say with p rideHum Hin du Ha in ”

D e l i v e r i n g S a h a j a n a n d

Vyakhyanmala at Shree Kutch Satsang S w a m i n a r a y a n T e m p l e , K e n t o n , H a r r o w o n 1 0 J u n e 2 0 2 3 , V i d y a V a c h s p a t i P a r a m P u j y a G u r u v r a y a

Shree Madhavpriyadasji Swami threw light on the unlimited power of the mind Swami Shree said, “If you want to offer a thing to God you must know about that thing Let us try to unders t a n d t h e c h a r a c t e r s , v i r t u e s , a n d m i n d ' s n a t u r e A c c o r d i n g t o o u r Shastras, it is said that the mind or ‘Man’ is the reflection of Sankalpa and Vikalpa ”

Head of Gurukul Parivar and the Swaminarayan Gurukul, Ahmedabad, Swami Madhavpriyadasji said, “What is

a book? Scientists say that the book is made of atoms The whole world and objects are made of atoms Can you see it? You can see the atoms, and photons with a microscope There is an attempt g o i n g o n - H i g g s B o s o n T h e y h a v e named this- the God Particle What a foolish attempt that is If there is a God and there must not be any particles, and if there are particles, there should be no God ”

He said, “As things went on to be minute, we cannot see air but it can be felt Likewise, things go on a micro level, we can only feel that The whole science is stuck on the quantum but the mind is beyond that It can feel more minute ” “

A t f i r s t , t h e r a y s o f c o n s c i o u s

Aatma touch the mind, then the mind becomes active At the same time, all the characters hidden in the mind also come out and that’s the problem We must understand that the Prakash of Aatma is very pure No Maya, no dosha are there If you want to feel purity, remove your obstacles or the hidden character in your mind We are often busy looking at things in the purview of coloured glasses Eyes are material, but we can see with Chaitanya rays through the mind ” Swami Shree describes

Madhavpriyadasji said, “Sometimes our mind is distracted, and we cannot feel even though we see it from our eyes On the other hand, the mind when concentrated becomes like a laser beam Let the missiles from ‘Maya’ come if your mind is strong and focused you can destroy those missiles

If the mind is concentrated towards God’s bhakti it will be constructive but if it is focusing elsewhere, it becomes destructive There are three modes of M a y a - S a t v a g u n , R a j o g u n a n d Tamogun

Time is very precious so let us use it very properly To make progress following the path of spirituality will give real success When we do Omkar, we must feel from toe to head When we do the Namaskar, we must concentrate our mind on the divine feet of Ghanshyam Maharaj When we do Jayghosh, imagine that God gives me blessings Hindu Lifesty le S emina r an d Shree Bhag wat Kat ha at SKLPC Swami Shri is on the UK’s spiritual tour from 29 May to 30 July 2023

From 14 to 18 June 2023, Hindu Lifestyle Seminar and Shree Bhagwat Katha will be at SKLPC, West End Road, Northolt from 6-9pm

and its highly versatile nature has only helped it grow in popularity

In a fast paced world where Pilates and Zumba are the new trend, O’Reilly finds it interesting how the quieter, slower forms of yoga, such as yin and restorative yoga are becoming very popular “I think these offer an alternative to our fast-paced world as they give us space to breathe and there's always the Ashtanga and Vinyasa flow types of yoga to appeal to those wanting a more physically demanding practice ”

D i s c u s s i n g t h e e x p e r i e n c e o f y o g a , O’Reilly said, “Yoga helps create change from within and is a very individual experience Each practitioner approaches yoga differently and choose their type of practice accordingly, and all practices are equally valuable ” In his opinion, as long as one feels secure and comfortable with yoga, it's doing good things for you mentally, spiritually and physically!

Yoga can be miraculously beneficial for cancer survivors

Attendees at a global cancer conference were advised that doctors should recommend yoga classes to cancer survivors in order to reduce the risk of relapse, stressing that advising patients with the disease to take it easy can be harmful Several trials have shown that engaging in daily 30-minute walks and exercise classes can lead to lower rates of post-cancer issues such as fatigue, as well as a decreased risk of cancer recurrence and death

One study conducted by a team in the United States found that taking two yoga classes per week for a month significantly reduced inflammation in cancer survivors The researchers, presenting their findings at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting in Chicago, suggested that clinicians should consider prescribing yoga for survivors who experience inflammation I n f l a m m a t i o n m a y c o n t r i b u t e t o a n increased risk of disease progression, recurrence, and the development of secondary cancers

The study, conducted at the University of Rochester in New York State, involved over 500 patients, predominantly women who had recovered from breast cancer

Body-Breath-Mind-Soul

Patanjali Yogpeeth UK Trust commemorated World Yoga Day on Friday, 9th June

The event, organized by Kalpana Patel and Bharat Patel, hosted two sadhvis from Haridwar as special guests

Upcoming Events

Organizer: High Commission of India

Date: 20 June, 2023

Time: 8:30 AM onwards

Venue: Trafalgar Square, London

Organizer:

National Association of Patidar Samaj

Date: 21 June, 2023

Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Venue: 26B Tooting High Street, London

Ishwar Sharma

Di O’Reilly

Interview with Paresh Raja: On supporting Asian Achievers Awards, building MFS and meeting challenges head on

What led you to set up M arket Financial Solutions (M FS) back in 20 06? What inspired yo u to take u p this path in life?

Prior to launching MFS, I built experience in one of the UK's top management consultancies, and I e v e n t u a l l y l a u n c h e d a n i n d e p e n d e n t i n v e s t m e n t g r o u p , along with a brokerage firm As I moved into these endeavours, I d e v e l o p e d e x p e r t i s e i n r e s t r u c t u r i n g b u s i n e s s e s a n d taking them to the next level

A s m y w o r k c o n t i n u e d , i t became clear to see that businesses and property investors were in d e s p e r a t e n e e d o f b e s p o k e f i n a n c i a l s o l u t i o n s t h a t incorporated their circumstances, a n d t h e w i d e r e c o n o m i c e n v i r o n m e n t T h e s l o w - m o v i n g nature of the lending landscape was holding back investment in the UK’s property scene – limiting our collective prosperity

I wanted to help resolve this I vowed to provide investors with specialist products that could be issued with flexibility and speed Barely a couple of years in, we had to deal with a global credit crunch It suddenly became very difficult to get finance from mainstream l e n d e r s , a n d p r o p e r t y i n v e s t o r s quickly appreciated the utility of the specialist market T ell u s about MFS and w hat will M FS look like in ten years?

MFS has been serving property investors for over 16 years now and in that time, we ’ ve continuously e x p a n d e d , m o v e d i n t o n e w markets, and launched additional products Our bespoke loans can

b e u s e d t o e x p a n d a p r o p e r t y portfolio, refurbish, or convert an

e x i s t i n g s p a c e , h e l p i n v e s t o r s refinance and more What’s more, we also recently launched our first

B T L m o r t g a g e , a p r o d u c t t h a t b r i n g s b r i d g i n g l i k e s p e e d a n d flexibility to landlords

Across all our products, we embrace an open willingness to lend We look for reasons to issue a loan, rather than finding excuses n o t t o T o t h a t e n d , w e f i n d

o u r s e l v e s r e g u l a r l y s u p p o r t i n g borrowers who have been turned away on the high street We’re always happy to hear from those who may have missed payments on their record, who are based overseas, or who are looking to invest in less common property types L o o k i n g a h e a d , w e p l a n t o launch more products and expand our teams to keep up with our e v e r - g r o w i n g l o a n b o o k W e recently hired our 100th employee and we already have far more new s t a r t e r s s c h e d u l e d o v e r t h e summer

A s t h e b r i d g i n g w o r l d c o n t i n u e s t o b e c o m e m o r e mainstream, I want MFS to be the 1st company property investors think of We want to grow our market share and set a shining example for the industry If you were to start a bu siness again tod ay, wou ld you fo llow th e same path you hav e or w ould you d o things differently?

Logistically, I think I’d follow t h e s a m e p a t h I ’ m i n c r e d i b l y proud of the fact that no matter w h a t c h a l l e n g e s p r e s e n t e d

themselves over the years, MFS never stopped lending

But if I were to start a business again today, I would maybe set more resources aside for the truly unexpected To a certain extent, you may be able to plan for, or f a c t o r i n a r e c e s s i o n Y o u c a n adapt to rising inflation, or hiked interest rates

But who honestly saw a global p a n d e m i c c o m i n g ? G i v e n h o w complicated the world is, and just h o w i m p a c t f u l C o v i d - 1 9 w a s , I t h i n k w e a l l n e e d t o h a v e emergency plans ready to go Just i n c a s e T h a t ’ s s o m e t h i n g I ’ v e learnt and will continue to take forwards

What woul d you l ike its l egac y to be?

For investors, I want MFS to be the go-to place for all landlords and property specialists who are looking for quality bespoke lending options

I’m keen to have MFS be at the forefront of the specialist lending s e c t o r A g o - t o p l a c e f o r a l l landlords and property specialists l o o k i n g f o r u n m a t c h e d b e s p o k e funding, flexibility, and speed

I n t e r n a l l y a n d w i t h i n t h e specialist world, I would like MFS’ legacy to be one of respect and o p e n n e s s W e ’ r e p r o u d o f h o w diverse our workforce is, and not just for British South Asians, but for people of all backgrounds

W e n e v e r w a n t o u r achievements in diversity to be just a trendy PR exercise We believe our strength lies in how we welcome different beliefs, ways of thinking, and priorities

We recently surveyed our staff

and we ’ re incredibly proud of what

t h e r e s u l t s s h o w e d T h e d a t a s h o w e d 4 4 % o f o u r c u r r e n t employees are female, with 56% being male Just under two fifths

( 3 8 % ) d e s c r i b e t h e m s e l v e s a s

English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish, or British A further 18% are Indian, with there also being a wide range of other nationalities and

e t h n i c i t i e s – f r o m C h i n e s e t o Pakistani, Lithuanian to Polish –making up the remaining 44% Our employees speak over 20

l a n g u a g e s b e t w e e n t h e m , w h i c h i n c l u d e s F r e n c h , L a t v i a n , Portuguese, Greek, Tamil, Hindi, M a l a y a l a m , R o m a n i a n , P o l i s h ,

R u s s i a n , S p a n i s h , F a r s i , U r d u , G u j a r a t i , M a r a t h i , a n d G e r m a n When you bring multiple cultures t o g e t h e r , a m a z i n g t h i n g s c a n happen, and I want MFS to be a place where ethnic minorities feel truly equal and valued

You’ve blaz ed your own trail as a bus ine ss leader Who has inspired you, whether in bus ines s or not?

On a personal level, it is my grandfather on my father’s side I never had the opportunity to meet h i m , b u t I h a v e a l w a y s b e e n inspired by what he achieved for the whole family Especially as it was extremely hard to set up a business in Africa He managed to set up and distribute a whole structure for the family before he passed away I admire people who have drive, p a s s i o n , a n d a g e t u p - a n d - g o a t t i t u d e f o r l i f e – r e g a r d l e s s o f whatever field or area they pursue I am inspired by certain leaders such as Gandhi with his persistent and p e a c e f u l a p p r o a c h , a n d W a r r e n

Buffet for pushing the limits above and beyond In the world of sport, it was incredible to see Mohammed Ali take as many punches as he did, but always get back up no matter how hard it was

Ratan Tata is another one of my personal idols His commitment to philanthropy and supporting wider communities is awe-inspiring I try to emulate this as much as I can in my own life Outside of the realworld, I can appreciate some of the drive behind Gordon Gekko and Vito Corleone, setting aside what it’s used for!

Y ou a r e s upp or t in g th e A s i a n Ac hievers Awards this year How im por tan t do y ou t hink it is t o c elebr ate our s uc ces ses ?

We need to celebrate British South Asian successes given just how unlikely they could have been It takes a lot for generations of f a m i l i e s w i t h o v e r s e a s r o o t s t o adapt and fit in with a different society Not to mention all the other civil challenges they may face such as culture clash, or potential xenophobia

Yet, even with the odds against t h e m , w e ’ v e s e e n B r i t i s h S o u t h A s i a n ’ s n o t o n l y i n t e g r a t e , b u t thrive We need to recognise this incredible achievement for what it is – a triumph of modernity and understanding

Paresh Raja, Founder & CEO, MFS

Dear Financia

Voice Reader Alpesh Patel OBE

The first paragraph o f my first column in th e Financial Times stated I was selling all my UK stocks and only bu ying US ones This was back in 1999 and thank goodness fo r the sake of my pension I did th is back then Indeed, 2023 alone is proof I was righ t Th e Nasdaq is up 33% th is year and the UK markets barely u p at all Th is h as happened many times since 1999 T he UK investor with a SIPP or IS A in US stocks h ad a fatter pensio n than th e UK investo r trusting UK fu nd managers and IFAs

Ever since I launched my Campaign for a Million to teach a million people to be better at investing I've received many wonderful messages, including one this week from David Davies who wrote to me, "Looking at the performance of my pension fund I can see why you have such a sceptical view of fund managers because whoever is running mine is ‘stealing a living’ Perhaps he/she could do with a bit of direction from you "

David is a businessman in the UK Like so many he has built through hard work and exceptional company, this one in manufacturing and exporting globally

He has worked exceptionally hard, but, his money is not working as hard as it should He's been let down as he says himself by his pension fund manager

We see this time and again and why I launched my free Campaign for a Million Hard working people, wherever in the world, should not have fund managers 'stealing a living' off their backs It makes me mad

I am equally proud to be empowering, informing, educating everyone from busy professionals, to business owners, to retirees Our country has great hard-working people They don't owe a living to pension fund managers

This is something I will be discussing at the Future of Private Investing conference hosted by the Financial Times/Investors Chronicle

From my first column in the Financial Times to my show on Bloomberg TV, to my 18 books (!), this is a mission and a purpose worth fighting for

The City has some talented people, but too many who ride on the labours of regular employees and the selfemployed

There are several reasons why individuals are increasingly taking control of their own investment decisions, moving away from Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs), investment trusts, and fund managers This trend is being driven by a combination of dissatisfaction with traditional investment approaches, the increased accessibility of investment information and education, and a desire for more personal control over financial futures Let's explore each of these factors in more detail:

1 P erfo rmance and Co st: The performance of investment trusts and fund managers can be variable, and in some cases, investors may be dissatisfied with the returns they are seeing Additionally, the fees charged by IFAs and fund managers can significantly eat into an investor's returns over time This has prompted some individuals to take a DIY approach to their investments, seeking to both improve their returns and reduce their costs

2 Transparency and Control: With traditional investment services, there is often a lack of transparency around investment decisions This can lead to a feeling of disconnection and lack of control On the other hand, managing your own investments offers a level of control and transparency that many find appealing

3 Accessibility of Information and Education: The internet has made it easier than ever for individuals to access the information they need to make informed i n v e s t m e n t d e c i s i o n s P l a t f o r m s l i k e y o u r G r e a t Investments Programme provide valuable education and resources that demystify the investment process and empower individuals to manage their own portfolios

4 Personal Connection: Many people appreciate the personal connection that comes with managing their own investments Your approach of always providing direct access to the person is likely appealing to many investors who are tired of dealing with faceless institutions

Hunt is concerned about cost-of-living crisis following OECD forecast

UK Ch ancello r Jeremy Hunt h as ex p res s ed c o nc er n regarding the o ngoing cost of living crisis in Britain follo wi ng a p r edi c ti o n by a p ro mi ne nt i nte rn ati o na l organization that th e country would experience one o f th e highest inflatio n rates amo ng dev el op ed n ati o n s this year

While the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) raised its growth forecast for t h e U K , i t a l s o i s s u e d a w a r n i n g t h a t i n f l a t i o n i s e x p e c t e d t o a v e r a g e 6 9 %

throughout 2023 This forecast from the OECD raises doubts about the government's ability to achieve its goal of halving inflation by the end of the year, which was one of the five New Year p l e d g e s m a d e b y R i s h i

Energy suppliers under pressure to cut tariffs for small firms

Ami ds t th e e ner gy c ri s is , energy comp anies are facing increasing pressure to allow st ru ggl in g bu s i ne ss es to modify their gas and electricity contracts, following the lead of two major suppliers who h ave agreed to reduce rates that were fixed during th e height of the crisis

EDF has committed to offering new contract terms to 15,000 small and medium-sized businesses that are currently locked into longterm contracts set during a h i s t o r i c a l p e a k i n e n e r g y m a r k e t p r i c e s l a s t y e a r Eligible businesses, includi n g i n d e p e n d e n t s h o p s , hairdressers, and small fact o r i e s , w i l l b e p r e s e n t e d w i t h c o n t r a c t s f e a t u r i n g l o w e r r a t e s f o r e x t e n d e d p e r i o d s , a i m i n g t o m a k e their energy bills more man-

ageable

This decision from the F r e n c h e n e r g y c o m p a n y c o m e s i n r e s p o n s e t o mounting calls from business groups for energy suppliers to reevaluate existing contracts British Gas had already taken the step to l o w e r c o s t s f o r i t s c u stomers A c c o r d i n g t o t h e F e d e r a t i o n o f S m a l l B u s i n e s s e s ( F S B ) , n e a r l y 100,000 businesses remain at risk of financial strain a f t e r e n t e r i n g i n t o l o n gterm energy contracts last y e a r w h e n m a r k e t p r i c e s soared to record highs during the third quarter These b u s i n e s s e s a r e c u r r e n t l y b o u n d b y c o n t r a c t s t h a t require them to pay inflated prices based on last year's peak, for potentially several more months or even years

Recession still a possibility considering UK inflation

New forecasts suggest that the U K eco nom y rem ai ns vulnerable to the possibility of entering a recession this year, primarily due to the im pact of high inflation on households and businesses

The British Chambers of C o m m e r c e ( B C C ) a n t i c ipates that the economy will manage to avoid a downturn in 2023 However, it expects only modest growth rates that could be jeopardized by the persistently high prices

Social media site blamed for shopping fraud in the UK

According to Llo yds Banking Group , mo re than two-th irds of online shopping scams targe ti ng U K co ns u mer s or igi n ate fro m Fa ce bo o k and In st agra m, ma ki ng so c i al media p latforms a wild west for fraud The research estimates that every seven minutes, so meo ne in the UK falls victim to a purch ase scam on either o f the Meta-o wned platforms, resu lting in a weekly cost of over £500,000 to consumers

Lloyds emphasized the need for tech companies to take responsibility by contributing to refunds when their platforms are exploited for defrauding innocent victims This signals an escalation in the conflict between British banks and tech firms, particularly Meta, which owns Facebook,

Instagram, and WhatsApp Lloyds is the second bank within a month to publicly call out Meta, following TSB's statement about the significant increase in scams originating from Meta-owned sites and apps

UK Finance, an industry body representing banks, previously accused social media companies of profiting from scams occurring on their platforms and urged them to reimburse victims Drawing from reported cases among its vast retail customer base of over 25 million, Lloyds' research reveals that 68% of all purchase scams originate from Facebook (including its Marketplace) and Instagram This accounts for approximately 40% of the total losses incurred from this type of scam

Sunak in January

P r o j e c t i o n s i n d i c a t e d that Britain's inflation rate

w o u l d s u r p a s s t h a t o f Germany at 6 3%, France at 6 1%, and the OECD average

o f 6 6 % T h e P a r i s - b a s e d OECD, in its comprehensive assessment, expressed conc e r n s i n i t s s e m i - a n n u a l update that the escalating borrowing costs implemented to combat inflationary

p r e s s u r e s c o u l d i m p o s e severe stress on the global financial system, leading to a decline in share and bond p r i c e s T h e o r g a n i z a t i o n

e m p h a s i z e d t h a t t h e f u l l impact of these tighter policies was yet to be fully experienced

Although headline inflat i o n i s a n t i c i p a t e d t o decrease due to declining energy prices, it is expected t o a p p r o a c h t h e g o v e r nment's target of 2% by the end of 2024 However, core i n f l a t i o n , w h i c h e x c l u d e s items like energy and food, is projected to be more persistent due to substantial inflation in service prices, o n l y r e c e d i n g t o 3 2 % i n 2024

Issa brothers get extension on loan repayment

The petrol empire owne d by the Issa b rothers, b urde n e d wi th si gn i f i ca n t de b t , ha s b ee n gr a n t e d approval to postpon e the repay ment of $3 4 b illion in f i x e d- i n te r e st l oa n s t h a t w er e or i g i n a l l y d u e b y 2026 This decision aims to re d u ce t he i r n et d e b t , which reached almost $10 billion as of their year-en d in March

EG Group, the company operating petrol stations under various brands like Esso, confirmed that it has i n i t i a t e d a t h r e e - y e a r amend-and-extend plan for t h e s e l o a n s T h i s a n n o u n c e m e n t c a m e a l o n g s i d e a r e p o r t o f d e c r e a s e d f i r s t - q u a r t e r earnings

The network of petrol stations and convenience s t o r e s , l e d b y b i l l i o n a i r e brothers Zuber and Mohsin I s s a , a l o n g w i t h b u y o u t

firm TDR Capital, revealed that it has commenced discussions with "key relationship banks to pursue an e x t e n s i o n o f b o t h i t s r e v o l v i n g c r e d i t f a c i l i t i e s and banking arrangements They expressed satisfaction with the support received thus far in this process

EG Group is reportedly engaged in discussions to e x t e n d i t s $ 1 6 0 m i l l i o n r e v o l v i n g c r e d i t f a c i l i t y , which is set to mature next year, for an additional three years

In their efforts to allevia t e t h e s u b s t a n t i a l d e b t b u r d e n s o f t h e i r f i r m , M o h s i n a n d Z u b e r h a v e b e e n e x p l o r i n g v a r i o u s s t r a t e g i e s R e c e n t l y , t h e group finalized a sale and lease back transaction valued at $1 5 billion, involving the disposal of 415 stores s i t u a t e d a l o n g t h e e a s t coast of the United States

Housing prices suffer the biggest fall since 2012

a n d i n t e r e s t r a t e s T h e

BCC's forecast suggests that the economy will experience m i n i m a l g r o w t h , w i t h a n expansion of 0 3% over the course of the year

This projection reflects an improvement compared to the BCC's previous estimate, which anticipated a contraction of 0 3% It aligns w i t h t h e a s s e s s m e n t s o f other prominent forecasters w h o a l s o e x p e c t s l i g h t growth in the UK economy

T h e O r g a n i s a t i o n f o r Economic Cooperation and D e v e l o p m e n t ( O E C D ) recently revised its project i o n f o r t h e U K t o 0 3 % growth this year

The BCC maintains its inflation forecast at 5% for the final quarter of the year, a decrease from the current r a t e o f 8 7 % r e c o r d e d i n A p r i l T h e o r g a n i z a t i o n highlights that high inflat i o n r e m a i n s t h e p r i m a r y concern for UK businesses, as a measure of underlying price pressures has reached its highest level in over three decades

T h e h o u s i ng ma rk et h a s witn ess ed i ts fi rs t an nu al decline in prices since 2012, coinciding with a decrease in mortgage lending to its lo we st l eve ls s in ce th e im p lem ent ati o n o f lo c kdown measu res

According to the latest data from the Halifax House P r i c e I n d e x , h o u s e p r i c e s have experienced a 1% yearon-year drop, marking the first such decline in over 10 years The average cost of a p r o p e r t y i n t h e U K n o w

s t a n d s a t £ 2 8 6 , 5 3 2 , d o w n from £286,662 in April Over the past 12 months, propert y p r i c e s h a v e f a l l e n b y approximately £3,000, with a decline of around £7,500 since reaching their peak in August The lender attributed this annual drop to the r o b u s t p r o p e r t y m a r k e t o b s e r v e d l a s t y e a r

Following a 0 4% decrease

i n A p r i l , h o u s e p r i c e s r e m a i n e d u n c h a n g e d i n May

The property market has e x p e r i e n c e d a s l o w d o w n due to increased borrowing

e x p e n s e s a n d d e c r e a s e d a f f o r d a b i l i t y , d r i v e n b y lenders raising their rates in response to core inflation

C o n s e q u e n t l y , m a r k e t e x p e c t a t i o n s s u g g e s t t h a t interest rates will remain e l e v a t e d f o r a n e x t e n d e d p e r i o d T h i s d e v e l o p m e n t follows a report from buildi n g s o c i e t y N a t i o n w i d e , which revealed that house prices witnessed their most rapid decline in May since 2009, emphasizing a contrasting trend compared to another index

The disparity between t h e t w o i n d i c e s c a n b e attributed to variations in their housing market data, which is derived from the activity and information of t h e i r r e s p e c t i v e c u s t o m e r bases

RBI holds key interest rate again, move will benefit FD investors

Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

governor Sh aktikanta Das declared th at interest rates would remain unchanged, c i ti ng l o wer u n ce rta in ty a nd be tte r- th a n- ex p ec ted i n fl ati o n T h e Mo n eta ry P o li cy Co mmittee ( MPC), consisting of six members, u n an im ou s l y vo t ed t o m ai nta i n th e r ep o rat e d u ri ng i ts b i -m o nth l y meeting

This marks the second consecutive policy decision where the RBI has chosen to pause after a series of six rate hikes since May 2023

T h e R B I ’ s d e c i s i o n i s

LIC to hold roadshows in Hong Kong, UK

A year after the listing of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India, the insurance b e h e m o t h w i l l h o l d i n t e r n a t i o n a l r o a d s h o w s , b e g i n n i n g i n H o n g K o n g

later this month The nond e a l r o a d s h o w s a r e s c h e d u l e d f o r J u n e 2 5 - 2 9 , s o u r c e s s a i d , a d d i n g a meeting will also be held in the UK

Don’t let the tail wag the dog

Suresh Vagjiani, Sow & Reap Properties Ltd

This week saw many mortgage products being withdrawn to be replaced by higher rates Only yes terday there were a couple of clients who didn’t manage to lock the rate which they had hoped to secure Even a small fraction of a percentage i ncreas e translates into hard cash, and it can be substantial; especially over a longer fixed rate period

favourable for savers as it ensures that deposit rates will remain at their current levels for a longer period

Das also stated that the c e n t r a l b a n k w o u l d continue to withdraw excess liquidity from the markets t o p r e v e n t a d e c l i n e i n interest rates

T h e s e r o a d s h o w s a r e aimed at creating awareness among global investors after the listing of LIC’s shares, the sources said According t o t h e m , t h e L I C m a n a g e m e n t w i l l i n t e r a c t w i t h g l o b a l i n v e s t o r s a n d highlight the strength of the company The management

will urge them to invest in LIC scrips as the company h a s h u g e p o t e n t i a l , t h e sources said LIC shares were listed on May 17, 2022 The stock is now down around 40% from its IPO issue price of Rs 949 per share, taking the t o t a l e r o s i o n o f m a r k e t capitalisation to about £25 billion

3-member panel to settle India's green disputes

India's renewabl e energy m inistry is setting up a t hree-member panel of “ e m in en t pe rson s of im p ec ca b l e i n t egr it y ” t o res ol v e “ un fore se en disput es ” , including issues beyond c on t ra ct u al a gre em en t s , be t we en g ove rnm en t -d es ig na t ed proj ec t i m pl e m en t in g a ge nc ie s a n d developers or cont ract ors

The committee is to be set up with the approval of the power and r e n e w a b l e e n e r g y m i n i s t e r R K S i n g h , t h e m i n i s t r y s a i d T h e

m e m b e r s w i l l b e c h o s e n f r o m e m i n e n t p e r s o n s l o c a t e d i n t h e n a t i o n a l c a p i t a l r e g i o n ( N C R ) t o a v o i d e x p e n d i t u r e o n t r a v e l a n d

accommodation The move is aimed at checking the rising number of d i s p u t e s , e s p e c i a l l y o v e r t i m e extensions, which hurts the pace of renewable capacity addition as the government chases a goal of 500gigawatt clean energy capacity by 2030 This dispute-resolution mechanism

will cover all renewable energy schemes, p r o g r a m m e s o r p r o j e c t s b e i n g i m p l e m e n t e d t h r o u g h o r b y t h e d e s i g n a t e d a g e n c i e s s u c h a s S E C I , NTPC, NHPC and SJVN, the ministry order said T h e m e c h a n i s m w i l l a l s o b e a p p l i c a b l e f o r i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f c o n t r a c t u a l a g r e e m e n t s b e t w e e n agencies and contractors, provided the implementing agency undertakes t o a c c e p t t h e d i s p u t e - r e s o l u t i o n committee’s decision

Adani Group raises £1.92 bn debt since Hindenburg report

In a presentati on given to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Adani Group claimed that it had raised new debt t ota l in g £ 1 9 2 b i ll i on i n the two months following the publication of the Hindenburg report, bri nging its g ros s outs t an di n g de bt t o £ 2 2 7 2 billion Despite having cash on hand of £ 4 0 3 b i ll i on, the g roup' s n et de bt i n c re as ed b y al mos t 17 % t o £1 8 68 billion this year

T h e f i g u r e s d e m o n s t r a t e t h a t , despite group companies repaying $2 1 billion of marginlinked, share-backed b o r r o w i n g a n d a n a d d i t i o n a l $ 5 0 0 million in debt for purchasing Ambuja Cement, the Adani Group's investment pipeline is still strong and is being

supported by new debt

According to sources, Adani would use some of the new debt for the Adani

E n t e r p r i s e s - o w n e d N a v i M u m b a i a i r p o r t T h e g r o u p a l s o i n t e n d s t o s e c u r e n e w i n v e s t m e n t f o r i t s

A d a n i E n t e r p r i s e s - a f f i l i a t e d M u n d r a

Petrochem project

The group, in its presentation on

BSNL gets £8.90 bn for 4G, 5G spectrum operations

T he union cabinet accepted the th ird revival package for BSNL with a total o utlay o f £8 90 billion, principally for costs linked to sp ectrum for 4 G a nd 5G se rvi c es , according to telecom and IT minister Ash wini Vaishnaw W i th th e th i rd a nd l as t revival package, BSNL has r ec ei ve d mo re th a n £32 b i ll io n i n f i nan c ia l assistance

Vaishnaw said that the time has come when BSNL s h o u l d c o m p e t e s t r o n g l y w i t h p r i v a t e t e l e c o m players “It should become a player, which should bring connectivity in the places where normal commercial c o n s i d e r a t i o n c o m p a n i e s will not be able to go It should be able to provide digital India services to the weakest of weak sections With that thought process, t h e c a b i n e t a p p r o v e d a

p a c k a g e o f £ 8 9 0 b i l l i o n p r i m a r i l y f o r s p e c t r u mrelated items ” A l s o , t h e a u t h o r i s e d c a p i t a l o f B S N L w i l l b e

increased from £15 billion to 21 billion

T h e p a c k a g e i n c l u d e s the allocation of high-value

wireless frequencies in the

7 0 0 M H z b a n d s p e c t r u m

worth £4 63 billion, 70 MHz i n t h e 3 3 0 0 M H z b a n d w o r t h £ 2 6 2 b i l l i o n , frequencies in the 26 GHz

band worth £656 5 million, i n t h e 2 5 0 0 M H z b a n d

worth £942 8 million, and

£ 5 3 2 m i l l i o n f o r o t h e r unrelated items

t h e e n d - M a r c h f i n a n c i a l p o s i t i o n s u b m i t t e d t h i s w e e k , s a i d t h a t d o m e s t i c a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l b a n k s continue to show confidence across businesses by disbursing new debt and rolling over existing lines It further added that, following the credit rating affirmations, the company has access to credit facilities, and international a n d d o m e s t i c d e b t c a p i t a l m a r k e t programmes are ongoing T h e i n f r a s t r u c t u r e g r o u p h a d earlier said it was pre-paying debt to reduce leverage The presentation said the group ’ s combined net debt/ ebitda improved to 3 27X in FY23 from 3 81X a year earlier despite the additional borrowing

Half of all Rs 2,000 notes returned to banks

RBI governor Shaktikanta Das said that the recent decision to recall Rs 2,000 denomina tion note s has resulted in the return of nearly half of such notes to banks The amount of Rs 2, 0 0 0 no te s w or th approximately £18 billion that have been re turned accounts for over 50 % of th e cu r re n cy i n circulation as of March 31, according to Das

While the governor did n o t p r o v i d e a n e x a c t breakdown of how many notes were exchanged, he e s t i m a t e d t h a t r o u g h l y 85% of the returned notes were deposited “This is more or less in line with o u r e x p e c t a t i o n s , ” s a i d Das D a s r e s p o n d e d t o q u e s t i o n s r e g a r d i n g t h e specifics of note exchange a n d d e p o s i t f i g u r e s b y

We are currently in an environment where the rates will be rising, the majority of people will take this as a r e a s o n n o t t o i n v e s t H o w e v e r , i t i s t h i s t y p e o f environment where deals which have never been seen before start to come to the surface Stability and cheap rates do not encourage vendors to sell

Things work a little differently in Central London however, where there are a lot of cash buyers, who for the right property will be making aggressive offers Recently, a flat which was being sold attracted multiple offers, two of them being all cash

On the other end of the scale rents are rising to unprecedented levels, this is a consequence of many landlords exiting the market and first time buyers being unable to purchase, therefore limiting the supply of rental stock and increasing the demand for it

It is always important in this type of environment not to let the tail wag the dog; meaning not to lose sight of property being a solid investment class

The other point to note is we are in a high inflationary environment, which is running higher than the average prevailing interest rates This means any debt which is taken will be reducing in real terms Therefore you will be actually making money on debt which you take, from this angle debt is good

For example, if you borrow £100,000, as the current rate of inflation is running at nearly 9%, in one year ’ s time your money in real terms would only be worth £91,000 If you paid 5% interest the debt would have cost you £5,000 This means overall in real terms you are still £4,000 better off In real terms any debt you take will shrink, being eroded by inflation

This environment has not stopped us We expect the deal flow to steadily increase as time goes on There will be those who need to and have to sell The three D’s, Death, Divorce and Distress There will be many half completed developments coming up, we have already seen one in North West London which has come to the m a r k e t , w h e r e t h e d e v e l o p e r d i d n ’ t a n t i c i p a t e a n environment where the interest and the building costs have risen substantially Half finished deals are difficult for funding purposes, as often it is difficult to obtain warranties and guarantees for half completed works In fact it may cost the incoming buyer even more money than if the works had not been done In order to have sign off from building regs, they would need to undo the existing works, unnecessarily adding to the development cost

We will be facing interesting times in the coming times

India's May fuel consumption scales record high

saying that there was some reporting overlap, which m a d e i t d i f f i c u l t t o r e c o n c i l e t h e d a t a D a s emphasised that there was plenty of time and asked the public not to rush to banks for note exchange or deposits

He expressed satisfaction

t h a t t h e r e h a d b e e n n o panic-induced rush at any b a n k s a n d a p p e a l e d t o everyone to refrain from unnecessary visits Das also advised individuals not to w a i t u n t i l t h e l a s t d a t e ( S e p t e m b e r 3 0 ) f o r n o t e exchange

Regarding speculation

a b o u t t h e w i t h d r a w a l o f other denomination notes or the reintroduction of Rs 1,000 note, Das clarified that he was not aware of any such plans, nor was t h e r e a n y c o n s i d e r a t i o n within the RBI

In di a' s f u el c o ns u mp ti o n surged in May with diesel sales scaling a record h igh, bu o ye d by s tr on g fa ct o ry activity in the th ird-largest oil consumer in the world

L a s t m o n t h , I n d i a ' s factory output increased at t h e f a s t e s t r a t e s i n c e O c t o b e r 2 0 2 0 , w h i l e c o m p e t i t o r s i n t h e a r e a including China, Japan, and S o u t h K o r e a w e r e e x p e r i e n c i n g p r o l o n g e d manufacturing difficulties

Sales of diesel, mainly u s e d b y t r u c k s a n d commercially run passenger vehicles, increased around

5 1% in May to an all-time high of 8 22 million tonnes from a month earlier, as per PPAC data going back until 1998

V i k t o r K a t o n a , l e a d crude analyst at Kpler, said i n c r e a s e d m a n u f a c t u r i n g i n c r e a s e d p u r c h a s i n g a c t i v i t y a n d i n c r e a s e d

trucking demand He also n o t e d t h a t a g r i c u l t u r a l , n o t a b l y r i c e a n d w h e a t farming, which were largely harvested in April and May, a l s o h e l p e d t o e n h a n c e diesel demand I n d i a ' s d e l a y e d m o n s o o n s a l s o s u p p o r t e d d i e s e l c o n s u m p t i o n b y t r a n s l a t i n g i n t o b e t t e r c o n s t r u c t i o n a c t i v i t y o v e r a l l , K a t o n a s a i d F u e l consumption, a proxy for oil d e m a n d , t o t a l l e d 2 0 0 3 million tonnes in May, up from 18 54 million tonnes in April S a l e s o f g a s o l i n e , o r petrol, were 16% higher than the previous month at 3 35 m i l l i o n t o n n e s T h e d a t a r e v e a l e d t h a t s a l e s o f c o o k i n g g a s , o r l i q u e f i e d p e t r o l e u m g a s ( L P G ) , jumped 9 3% to 2 35 million t o n n e s a n d t h a t s a l e s o f

naphtha increased 6 5% to 1 15 million tonnes

Pak budget targets total tax revenue of 9. 2 trillion rupees

ISLA MAB AD: Finance minister Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan’s government will tar ge t a budget deficit of 6 54% of economic output in the fiscal year starting on J uly 1 , sli gh t ly b e lo w t h e current y ear ’ s revised estimate of 7% He an noun ce d the ta r ge t during a speech to the nationa l legisla ture on the government’s annual budget The budget nee ds to satisfy the IMF to secure the release of stuck bailout money for t h e cr is is- st r uck c oun t r y , which is due to hold a genera l election by November Dar said the government had pre pared “ a r es po ns ib le b ud g e t, no t a n election budget”

According to Dar, the entire

in brief

SUICIDE BOMBER KILLS 13 IN AF MEMORIAL SERVICE

cabinet

The Pakistan’s government is attempting to convince the IMF to unlock at least some of the remaining $2 5 billion in a $6 5 billion programme that it entered in 2019 and that expires at the end of this month This is because the country is currently dealing with a number of economic and political difficulties

spending goal is 14 46 trillion

r u p e e s , o f w h i c h 1 8 t r i l l i o n rupees will go towards defence

It will aim to pay off 7 3 trillion rupees worth of debt Dar reaf-

British couple trapped in Dubai due to £11,000 medical bill

DU BAI : A British couple have been left trapped in Dubai after unexpected medical issues left t he m wi th a b il l al leg ed l y totalling over £11,00 0 Katriona

W hite and her husband Mick, both 54 , were on holiday in the U AE when Katriona fell ill

She is now unable to walk, and until the hospital bill is paid, the two cannot fly back to India, w h e r e W h i t e h a s b e e n employed as a football coach He asserts that his passport has also been taken by the hospital

The married couple claims that after their insurance comp a n y i n i t i a l l y g a v e t h e m t h e a s s u r a n c e t h a t t h e y w e r e insured, they would not be compensated for the expenditures due to a "technicality" - that their trip originated in India rather than the UK White says he has been paying £18 per month into the policy for the last 12 years, having never made a claim before On 23 May, Barclays called White to

tell him that the couple aren’t insured because their trip hadn’t started in the UK

“I was just in shock, panicking,” he said “They said as of now I wasn’t insured and I asked ‘for the whole bill?’, and they said ‘ yes ’ As far as the hospital was concerned, because I couldn’t pay the bill they were kicking us out

“I was panicking and anxious for my wife’s health She wasn’t fit to fly She still can’t walk She can’t feel her legs ” In an effort to raise the money necessary to pay off the outstanding obligations, the couple is currently residing in a motel for £20 per night

H a v i n g b e e n e s t a b l i s h e d , a gofundme website has received a total of £4,725 in donations

Cash-trapped Pakistan rents out hotel in NY for $220 mn

N EW YO R K: The New Yor k City administr ation ha s tak en on re nt Pa k i st a n s fa mo u s R o os e v e lt Hotel for thr ee yea rs, bringing in $22 0 mi lli o n fo r t h e n a t i on ' s st ruggling finances Accor din g to aviation minister Khawaja Saad Rafique , the New York administrat ion would pay up t o $210 in rent for each of the 1,025 rooms in the cen tury-old hotel owned by t h e st a t e - r un P a k is t a n In terna tional Airline s Corp

The hotel had to be shut due t o f i n a n c i a l l o s s e s a f t e r t h e coronavirus pandemic in 2020

The New York city government will now use it for “immigrant h o u s i n g b u s i n e s s , ” P a k i s t a n ’ s finance ministry said in a statement The development comes when PM Shehbaz Sharif is tryi n g f o r a b a i l o u t f r o m t h e International Monetary Fund to avoid a default amid the nation’s d e p l e t i n g f o r e i g n e x c h a n g e reserves E v e n a f t e r t h e h o t e l w a s

closed, Pakistan continued to pay $25 million in taxes and salaries each year The country anticipates that the agreement will assist it in paying off all of its debts, including the reconciliation of the $66 million asked by the hotel union Deloitte had already suggested that the site's g r e a t e s t u s e w o u l d b e t o b e redeveloped into a mixed-use area through a joint venture Debt swells

The Pakistan government’s total debt has increased 34 1% year-on-year to Rs 58 6 trillion in April, according to the latest report by the central bank The increase was 2 6% on a monthon-month basis, ‘Dawn’ reported In April, the total debt was Rs 36 5 trillion (62 3%), with Rs 22 trillion being the 37 6% share of the total debt that was external The State Bank of Pakistan's report showed that the annual

firmed the government's hopes f o r a q u i c k I M F a g r e e m e n t , echoing remarks made earlier in t h e d a y b y P r i m e M i n i s t e r Shehbaz Sharif in a speech to his

The budget would target total t a x r e v e n u e o f 9 2 t r i l l i o n rupees, said Dar, who added there would be no new tax on the industrial sector Inflation for the next fiscal year is expected to come in at 21%, Dar said Inflation in May was at a record high of nearly 38%

Haqqani seeking control of Af section of TAPI pipeline, says UN report

UNIT ED N AT IONS: Afgh anistan’s Taliban-appointed interior mini s ter S ir aj ud d i n Haq qani is reportedly seeking to take under his control the most promising economic projects, primarily the construction of the A fghan sect io n o f th e T u rkm en is tanA fgh anistan-P akistan-Indi a g as pipeline, a UN report has said T h e 1 4 t h r e p o r t o f t h e A n a l y t i c a l S u p p o r t a n d Sanctions Monitoring Team of t h e 1 9 8 8 T a l i b a n S a n c t i o n s Committee of the UN Security C o u n c i l s a i d d i s c o r d a m o n g Taliban officials over the distribution of positions in the de f a c t o s t a t e a p p a r a t u s a n d p r o v i n c i a l a d m i n i s t r a t i o n s i s “significant”

I t a d d e d t h a t w h i l e f i r s t deputy PM Mullah Baradar has “less influence” in government, he retains the support of southern provincial administrations Baradar is seeking to control the process for the Taliban gaining i n t e r n a t i o n a l r e c o g n i t i o n , unfreezing Afghan assets abroad a n d e x p a n d i n g f o r e i g n a s s i s -

tance “ T h e c o n f l i c t r e v o l v e s around competition for positions in government and control o f f i n a n c i a l a n d n a t u r a l r e s o u r c e s a n d c h a n n e l s f o r smuggling commercial goods,” the report said

The UN report added that the friction within the Taliban leadership has been overtaken by growing frustrations with the direction of the de facto authorities, in particular around the c e n t r a l i s a t i o n o f p o w e r i n Kandahar and over key policy decisions, such as the ban on girls’ education It noted that the principal split within the Taliban leadership lies between factions r e p r e s e n t i n g K a n d a h a r a n d Kabul power bases

It added that the Taliban’s relations with al-Qaida remain a “ source of both unity and division” The killing of al-Qaida leader Aiman al-Zawahiri last year in Kabul left some Taliban mistrustful, believing they had been deceived over the presence of the al-Qaida leader

Lanka lifts import curbs on 286 items

CO LO MBO: S ri Lanka has lifted imp ort restrictions on nearly 300 items with immediate effect, the finance ministry announced, in a clear sign that th e island nation is slowly but surely emerging from its worst economic crisis in decades

Last year, Sri Lanka plunged into its worst economic crisis since its independence in 1948 due to plummeting foreign exchange reserves that caused severe shortages of essential items and triggered massive public protests In April 2022, Sri Lanka declared its international debt default due to the forex crisis

In August last year, Sri Lanka slapped a ban on the import of 300 consumer items like chocolates, perfumes, and shampoos to tackle its economic woes Sri Lanka’s economic situation has improved after it secured a $3 billion bailoutpackage from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in March

The IMF lifeline helped Sri Lanka bolster its foreign exchange reserves and stabilise the spiralling inflation “With the economy stabilising, import restrictions on 286 items have been lifted from F r i d a y m i d n i g h t , ” t h e f i n a n c e m i n i s t r y s a i d i n a s t a t e m e n t

“Restrictions on 928 items will continue, including vehicle imports, which were banned in March 2020, ” the statement said “Imported goods can help moderate prices by providing consumers with options and lower cost alternatives,” Shehan Semasinghe, the minister of state for finance, said

Sri Lanka’s reserves grew by an impressive 26% to touch $722 million in May, while the currency also rose by 24% this year, according to central bank data

A suicide bomber targeted a memorial service in Afghanistan’s northeastern Badakhshan province killing at least 13 people officials said A former Taliban police official was among those killed and at least 30 people were wounded in the explosion near Nabawi Mosque according to Abdul Nafi Takor the Taliban-appointed spokesman for the interior ministry He added that the casualty numbers could rise further as more information comes in The Badakhshan provincial governor s office said the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber and that several of the seriously wounded were transferred by military helicopters to Kabul for further treatment The memorial service was held for Nisar Ahmad Ahmadi, the deputy governor of Badakhshan who was killed in a car bombing recently

WIND, HEAVY RAINS KILL AT LEAST 27 IN PAKISTAN

Heavy rains followed by strong winds killed at least 27 people, including eight children, in northwest Pakistan, officials said “At least 12 people were buried alive after the roofs and walls of their houses collapsed,” Taimur Ali Khan, a spokesman for the provincial disaster management authority said The storms hit four districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, with 15 people killed in Bannu district, including five siblings aged between two and11 More than 140 people were injured and more than 200 livestock died he said Authorities have declared an emergency in all four of the districts

UGANDA PRESIDENT TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID

Uganda president Yoweri Museveni has tested positive for Covid-19 The President made the revelation at the end of his state of the nation address to parliament "In the morning I was feeling as if I have a slight cold so I called my medical team to check Corona They took samples as usual there is what they call a rapid one that one was negative then there are two which go for deep analysis one was negative, the other one was positive, Museveni said The WHO recently declared an end to Covid as a public health emergency, but stressed that it does not mean the disease is no longer a global threat

POPE UNDERGOES ABDOMINAL SURGERY

Pope Francis underwent a successful threehour operation on his abdomen the Vatican said, after renewed fears over the 86-year-old’s fragile health There were no reported complications the Vatican said It had earlier said the pope would remain in the hospital for several days Francis reacted well to the surgery and to the anesthesia and had already made a joke since according to one of the doctors involved in the procedure “He has been in pain This wasn’t an urgent surgery He continued to feel the pain, so a surgery was decided ” Dr Sergio Alfieri said at a press conference in Rome

GUNMAN KILLS 2, INJURES 5 DURING US SCHOOL SHOOTING

A man armed with four handguns killed two people and wounded five others when he fired into a crowd outside a high school graduation ceremony in Richmond, Virginia Police said they arrested one suspect, a 19-year-old man who knew one of the victims and shot at him amid the crowd that had just emerged from the Huguenot High School’s commencement ceremony inside a theater on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University The suspect was likely to be charged with two counts of second-degree murder in addition to other offenses interim Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards told a press conference Edwards called the shooter’s behaviour disgusting and cowardly ” since his dispute appeared to be with just one person

in brief Trump becomes first former US President to be detained

MARRIAGES IN CHINA DROP TO A RECORD LOW

Marriages in China dropped in 2022 to their lowest since records began, local news outlet Yicai reported continuing a steady decline over the past decade although the matrimonial total may have been affected by stringent Covid lockdowns Just 6 83 million couples completed their marriage registrations last year, data published on the website of the Ministry of Civil Affairs showed, down about 8,00,000 from the previous year The drop in couples tieing the knot, which follows pandemic restrictions keeping tens of millions lockedin their homes or compounds for weeks last year comes as authorities deal with a declining birth rate and a falling population In 2022 China’s population fell for the first time in six decades a decline that is expected to mark the start of a long period of decline in its citizen numbers with profound implications for its economy

MILLIONAIRE SITS FOR EXAMS FOR THE 27TH TIME

Among the millions of fresh-faced high schoolers sitting China’s dreaded gaokao” college entrance exam Liang Shi sticks out like a sore thumb - a grey-haired self-made millionaire stubbornly taking the test for the 27th time Liang, 56, is no fool He worked his way up from a menial job on a factory floor to establishing his own successful construction materials business But one dream has always eluded him: getting a high enough score on the notoriously gruelling gaokao to study at the top-tier Sichuan University To compete with the nearly 13 million high school seniors taking the exam this year, Liang said he has been living “the life of an ascetic monk” for the past few months, rising just after dawn to furiously study textbooks for 12 hours a day

BATMAN WINS TRADEMARK BATTLE FOR LOGO

Caped crusader Batman won a trademark fight with an Italian clothing retailer after Europe’s second-top court sided with an EU patent office, ruling that the Batman logo is distinctive enough to warrant its EU trademark Warner Bros Discovery’s DC Comics, which registered the Batman logo with the European Union Intellectual Property Office over two decades ago faced a challenge from Commerciale Italiana Srl in 2019

NEW MAKE-UP RULES FOR QANTAS CREW

Australia’s national airline announced that it will scrap its gender-based uniform guidelines allowing male cabin crew to wear make-up and giving women the option to ditch high heels Qantas said it had overhauled its guidelines to better reflect modern expectations and to make uniforms more comfortable for staff from diverse cultural backgrounds The airline has drawn attention for its fastidious style guide in the past, which banned handlebar moustaches, policed the length of sideburns, and specified the ideal shades of eyeliner The changes came at the insistence of labour unions Now cabin crew can have long hair as long as it is in a ponytail or bun

FIRST SELF-DRIVING URBAN FERRY SETS SAIL IN STOCKHOLM

A self-driving electric ferry set sail in Stockholm recently, making the Swedish capital the world s first city to put the technology to use A captain oversees the autonomous craft but doesn’t need to touch the controls and from the MF Estelle will begin plying short routes between islands in Stockholm The boat is fitted with radar, cameras, lidar laser and ultrasonic systems

The first ten-metre boat cost $1 6 million and will be able to carry up to 30 passengers A single ticket will cost around $3

NEW YORK : Don ald Trump b r ou gh t hi m se lf i n o n Tuesday for a hi stori c court hearing i n New York that was held amid high security and me d i a f r e n z y a r ou n d th e world The Repub lican billionaire is the fi rst American pre sident to ever b e charged with a cri me

The hearing which is being shown live o n t e l e v i s i o n a n d f e a t u r e s c o m p e t i n g demonstrators rallying outside, is a turning point in US criminal and political history that could completely alter the 2024 presid e n t i a l e l e c t i o n , i n w h i c h T r u m p i s presently the presumptive Republican contender

The 76-year-old is expected to plead not guilty to a number of allegations involving hush money given to a porn star prior to the 2016 election that put him in office

"Seems so SURREAL -- WOW, they are going to ARREST ME," Trump posted on his Truth Social app as he headed to the courthouse from Trump Tower, where he

Australia outlaws Nazi symbols as farright extremism rises

spent the night after flying from Florida

T h e t w i c e - i m p e a c h e d

R e p u b l i c a n i s t h e f i r s t American president, current or past, to be charged with a crime, a development that has thrust the country into uncharted political territory Police lined the streets while helicopters buzzed in the skies as Trump's motorcade made the short drive to court, carried live on US networks although cameras will not be allowed for the hearing itself

After getting out of his car and entering the premises while being guarded by the US Secret Service, Trump waved to his followers He was not taken on a "perp walk," in which a defendant is led past news cameras while being restrained

The former president was due to underg o t h e s t a n d a r d b o o k i n g p r o c e d u r e o f being fingerprinted - and potentially photographed, which would result in an alltime famous mug shot - at the Manhattan District Attorney's office

White House defends Modi state visit invitation

W ASHI NG TON : In light of Prime Mi nister Narendra Modi's upcoming state visit to the US, the White Hous e rejected implicit criticism of India as a " vibrant democracy" and stated that its top priority moving forward is to strengthen its "deeper, stronger partnership and friendship" with New Delhi “India is a vibrant democrac y Anybody that happens to go to New Delhi can see that for themselves,” White House Coordinator for Str at eg i c Com mun i c at i ons J o hn K i rb y clapped b ack at N ational Publ ic Radi o's Asma Khalid, who wanted to know if the Biden administration was “at all concerned about the health of democracy in India”

John Kirby, however, indicated the subject could figure in discussions during the state visit, saying “ you can do that with friends; you ’ re supposed to do that with friends - you never shy away from expressing concerns that we might have with anyone around the world”

US told to

“But this visit is really about advancing what is now and what we hope will be a deeper, stronger partnership and friendship going forward,” he added

Khalid had earlier asked the representative to explain why PM Modi deserved the state visit at a time when the administration "made a very large focus on the divide between autocracies and democracies, and there have been questions about the health of India's democracy under Narendra Modi "

“There’s innumerable reasons why India matters, not just bilaterally between the two of our nations, but multilaterally on very many levels And the President is looking forward very much to having Prime Minister Modi here to talk about all those issues and to advance and deepen that partnership and that friendship,” Kirby said after touching on the strong defence, security, and economic ties between the two countries

address visa wait time issue in India on priority

W A S H I N G T O N : T op US congressmen have urg ed the B i d e n a d mi n i st r a t i on t o solve the visa wait time issue in India on a prior it y basis, d escr ibing Ind ia a s a v ita l p a r t n e r w he r e p e o ple - t opeople rela tionships play a significant role

As part of two separate Congressional hearings on the Consular Affairs Budget, S e n a t o r B o b M e n e n d e z , Chair of the Senate Foreign R e l a t i o n s C o m m i t t e e , a n d C o n g r e s s m a n M i c h a e l

W a l t z , C o - C h a i r o f t h e House India Caucus, questioned top State Department officials about why Indian citizens had to wait up to 600 days for visas

" T h e U n i t e d S t a t e s

e n j o y s s t r o n g p e o p l e t o people ties with India India is now part of the QUAD

We are constantly engaging it in geostrategic interests that we have New Jersey is home to a great number of Indian Americans and their families I appreciate and applaud the department's

heightened focus towards reducing wait times for first t i m e B 1 - B 2 a p p l i c a n t s i n India,” Menendez said B u t d e s p i t e t h a t p r o g r e s s t h i s p a s t y e a r , India continues to face the longest wait times globally with average wait times for an appointment for the first time B1-B2 applicant ranging between 450 and 600 d a y s C o u l d y o u p l e a s e speak to me as to why that is the case? Why does it take up to 600 days for an adjudication?” Menendez asked d u r i n g a h e a r i n g a t t h e S e n a t e F o r e i g n R e l a t i o n s Committee

" H a v e y o u l o o k e d a t

SYD NEY : Due to concerns among intelligence professionals and politicians that farright extremis m is on the rise, particularly among young people, Australia will now outlaw Nazi insignia A legislation to outlaw references to the SS and Nazis will be introduced With a potential pri son sentence of up to 12 months, it will be unlawful to display certai n symbols on flags, armbands, Tshirts and the internet

Mark Dreyfus, Australia's attorney general, stated that the actions would support efforts already being taken by some state governments to limit such emblems Due to t h e s w a s t i k a ' s r e l i g i o u s i m p o r t a n c e i n Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, as well as the Nazi salute, these gestures will not be prohibited

“The Albanese government is sending the clearest possible signal to those who seek to spread hatred, violence and antisemitism that we find these actions repugn a n t a n d t h e y w i l l n o t b e t o l e r a t e d , ” Dreyfus said

Videos showed a group of 30 men doing t h e N a z i s a l u t e r e p e a t e d l y w h i l e b e i n g encircled by law enforcement They were NSN followers, the most well-known neoNazi organisation in Australia, according to the US-based Global Project Against Hate and Extremism The group said in a recent study: “Much like in the US, the Australian far right has exploded in recent years, with the rise of new white supremacist organisations and movements, many connected o n l i n e t o a c t i v i s t s i n o t h e r c o u n t r i e s Violence from these quarters is also rising and is sometimes exported ” Josh Roose, an associate professor and expert in far-right e x t r e m i s m a t M e l b o u r n e ’ s D e a k i n University, said that many of Australia’s extremist groups modelled themselves on American groups such as the Proud Boys, which emerged with the election of Donald Trump

Nikki Haley sees a path to victory

W AS HINGT ON: Nikki Haley, a form er UN ambassador and governor of South Carolina, h as competed in 22 events since announcing h er cand id ature less than four months ago in Iowa Sh e is polling in the low single digits both locally and nationally, and sh e is also w ell behind in fundraising

Only Asa Hutchinson, the former governor of Arkansas, has attacked the former president as unfit to take office again among the other contenders who have so far made their intentions known Nikki isn't that antiTrump, at least not yet She mentions Trump only once in her quick-witted, well-paced town-hall speech, explaining his response when, in her capacity as UN ambassador, she showed him a comparison between American aid to nations and their General Assembly votes on American priorities

e v e n p e r h a p s a q u a d u m b r e l l a o r b u b b l e f o r some of these critical business relationships My state just in Florida, it s estimated that USD 8 billion in trade conferences, events and visitors, that's 250,000 jobs are affected by these d e l a y s S o w h a t a r e w e d o i n g t o f i x i t ? ” W a l t z asked A s s i s t a n t S e c r e t a r y o f State for Consular Affairs

Rena Bitter told the lawmakers at the two different C o n g r e s s i o n a l h e a r i n g s that the State Department is working hard on it and has taken several steps to address this issue

Asked in mid-May at a town hall in Ankeny, Iowa, how she would ensure fair trials for the insurrectionists of January 6th, she replied, “I will continue to say it was a terrible day, it was not a beautiful day,” as Trump has described it As some members of the audience clapped, she added, “If they broke the law, they should pay the price ” DeSantis has suggested that, like Trump, he might pardon insurrectionists

She presents her identity as a rebuff to claims that America is racist, and also as something powerful enough to help her unite America “We weren’t white enough to be white, we weren’t black enough to be black,” she tells audiences as she describes growing up in the only Indian American family in Bamberg, South Carolina “When I would get teased on the playground, my mom would always say, ‘Your job is not to show them how you ’ re different Your job is to show them how you ’ re similar ’ Our country could use my mom ’ s advice right now ”

Donald Trump

Ahead of Modi visit, India and US hold strategic trade talks

T h e I n di a- US S t rat egi c T r ade D i alo g u e ( I US S TD ) was o ffi c ial ly l au nch ed bef ore

P rime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to th e US According to the Indian embassy in the US, th e discussions were centred on h ow to p romote the development and commerce of i mp o r tan t tec h n o lo gi es su c h as s em ic o ndu c to rs , sp a ce , c om mu ni ca ti o ns , quantum, artificial intelligence, defence, and biotechnology

The dialogue is seen as a crucial tool for advancing the strategic trade and technology partnerships under the India-US initiative o n C r i t i c a l a n d E m e r g i n g T e c h n o l o g i e s (iCET) In their discussions, India and the US decided to create a regular monitoring panel that will assess the development of their bilateral high-tech trade and technology alliance

Foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra travelled to the US for the talks The engagement also took place ahead of Track 1 5 dialogue on India–US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) that will be held and will be addressed by NSA Ajit Doval and his counterpart Jake Sullivan According to the Indian readout, both sides reviewed the relevant bilateral export control regulations w i t h t h e o b j e c t i v e o f b u i l d i n g a n d diversifying resilient supply chains for these strategic technologies

The US delegation was co-headed by Victoria Nuland, under secretary of state for political affairs in the US department of state, and Alan Estevez, under secretary for industry and security in the US department of commerce Foreign secretary Kwatra led

101 mn people in India now living with Diabetes, up 44% in 4 years

ICMR report that was published i n th e U K me di ca l j o u rn al "La nc et, " I n di a cu r ren tly h a s mo r e t h an 101 mi lli o n individuals living with diabetes, up from 70 millio n in 2019 The repo rt o bserves that alth ough the nu m ber s ar e s ta bi li s i ng i n s o me i ndu s tr i ali s ed s tat es , t h ey ar e r is i ng al ar mi ngl y in m any mo r e, " war ran ti ng urgent state-specific interventions "

“In Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Chandigarh there are fewer pre-diabetes cases compared to diabetes cases

the mission representing India

“They reviewed ongoing cooperation in m u l t i l a t e r a l e x p o r t c o n t r o l r e g i m e s a n d agreed to share best practices Both sides agreed to enhance awareness among the industry, academia and other stakeholders about the export control regimes , ” said the Indian government

At least 136 million people, or 15 3% of the population have pre-diabetes The states with the highest rates of diabetes were Goa ( 2 6 4 % ) , P u d u c h e r r y ( 2 6 3 % ) , a n d K e r a l a (25 5%) while 11 4% is the national average In states with lesser incidence, such UP, MP, Bihar, and Arunachal Pradesh, the study foresees an explosion in the number of diabetes cases over the following few years

In Puducherry and Delhi, they are nearly equal and so we c a n s a y t h e d i s e a s e i s stabilising,” said the study’s first author, Dr Ranjit Mohan Anjana, who is president of the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation B u t i n s t a t e s w i t h l o w e r i n c i d e n c e o f diabetes, scientists have recorded a greater number of people with pre-diabetes

“For every person with diabetes in UP, t h e r e a r e n e a r l y f o u r p e o p l e w i t h p r ediabetes This means these people will soon become diabetics,” Dr Anjana said “Sikkim is an exception where the prevalence of both diabetes and prediabetes is high We must study the reasons, ” she said

Canadian police to probe Dingucha deaths in Gujarat

A sq u a d f r o m t h e Ro y a l C a n a di an Mo un t e d P ol i c e a rr i v e d i n A h me da b a d a n d tr a v e l le d to G a n dh i n a g a r t o inve stigate the death of four memb ers of a Dingucha fami ly on t h e C an ad i a n -A m er i ca n b or d e r l as t ye a r T he c ri m e br an ch poli ce in Ah me da ba d coordi nated with the te am for the purpose

C h a i t a n y a M a n d l i k , D C P (crime), said that the team had the list of persons suspected to

be associated with the case The local police helped them get or verify details,” he said

Upender Singh Rawat is new Indian High Commissioner to Uganda

Former IFS Officer of the 1998 batch Upender Singh Rawat has been appointed as India's new High Commissioner to Uganda He is currently serving as the ambassador of India to Panama Rawat is expected to take up the assignment shortly He graduated from IIT Kanpur Before joining the government of India, he worked as a physics instructor After joining the IFS, he served in various capacities He started as the third secretary at the Embassy of India, Buenos Aires where he also learned Spanish Rawat has served in Indian diplomatic missions in Slovakia, UK and Mexico He also worked as deputy chief of mission in the Indian embassy in South Korea He has also worked in MEA, New Delhi as joint secretary in charge of the consular, passport, and visa division and desk officer on consular, and extradition matters

Shilpak N Ambule appointed High Commissioner to Singapore

Dr Shilpak N Ambule, an IFS officer of batch 2002 presently Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Singapore He has been in charge of the Ministry of External Affairs' East Asia Division, which includes China, and is said to be External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's main aide Dr Ambule's appointment comes at a time when India and Singapore are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations The two countries have close economic, political, and cultural ties Dr Ambule is a career diplomat with over 25 years of MEA experience

Nitin Agarwal appointed BSF Director General

Kerala cadre (1989-batch) IPS officer Nitin Agarwal was appointed as the new director general of the Border Security Force (BSF) The post of BSF chief has been vacant for more than five months after Pankaj Kumar Singh retired on December 31, 2022 Agarwal is currently posted as the Additional DG of operations at the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) headquarters in Delhi

S hubhdarshini Tripathi is new envoy to S erbia

Shubhdarshini

Tripathi, IFS Officer of the 1994 batch and presently Ambassador of India to the Republic of Kazakhstan, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Serbia

S hri Vip ul- new Qatar envoy

Nilakshi Saha Sinh anew Georgia envo y Nilakshi Saha Sinha, presently Ambassador of India to the Republic of Armenia, has been concurrently accredited as the next Ambassador of India to Georgia, with residence in Yerevan

Shri Vipul (IFS 1998) presently Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the State of Qatar

I n J a n u a r y 2 0 2 2 , f o u r members of the Patel family's bodies were discovered close to Winnipeg, Manitoba, along the Canada-US border Fenil Patel, a n i m m i g r a t i o n a g e n t , w a s detained by Gujarat police, but it's thought that a few others d e t a i n e d i n t h e U S m a y b e connected to the case S o u r c e s p r i v y t o t h e d e v e l o p m e n t s s a i d t h e t e a m i n q u i r e d a b o u t t h e whereabouts of five persons -

all immigration agents - based i n o r o p e r a t i n g f r o m A h m e d a b a d , A n a n d a n d Vadodara

According to sources, other s u s p e c t e d c a s e s o f i l l e g a l i m m i g r a t i o n m a y a l s o b e i n v e s t i g a t e d , i n c l u d i n g t h e methods used On the basis of f r a u d u l e n t c r e d e n t i a l s , i n c l u d i n g l e t t e r s f r o m Canadian colleges, it is believed t h a t c e r t a i n c a s e s o f i l l e g a l immigration have occurred

She also returns to the nature for the environmental cost of the books

Nischal Sanghavi

Just when we thought that the publishing industry was struggling, here is a woman who ha s co me - up wi th f r es h n ew perspectives and is much in demand by the a uth ors the s e da y s A n am i ka P an de y a r es i de nt of V el lor e, who i s a ls o a n environment lover, works as a 'Publicist', one of the new-age professions in the world W i th a de e p ex pe rt is e i n m ar ke ti n g, a c qui r ed thr ough e du ca ti on an d m an y corporate jobs, Anamika runs a self-owned c om pan y P rog re ss W i ng s t hat prov i de s unique services of helping authors explore newer opportunities with their books and reaching newer markets This has eventually g en er at ed huge s al e s o f b ook s f or t he

authors

Just a few years into the profession, Anamika has already provided services to 203 books written by a talented community of 129 exceptional authors who are based in US, UK, Australia and Germany apart from India The 32 authors out of this are from the United Kingdom It is important to note that there are 9 authors of Indian origin among those in the UK In fact, some books have also become bestsellers after the efforts of Anamika's team Today authors from a r o u n d t h e w o r l d a r e r e a c h i n g o u t t o

A n a m i k a t h r o u g h r e f e r e n c e s , w o r d o f

mouth and social media

However, what makes Anamika unique is her love for the environment and the e f f o r t s h e t a k e s t o p r o t e c t t h e environmental damage made by humans

A c c o r d i n g t o A n a m i k a , w h o h a i l s f r o m

Mumbai, "everyone knows that millions of trees are cut every year to generate paper So to compensate for books sold, I have taken a pledge to plant at least 20 trees for each book project we take up In keeping with the pledge, my company has already formally planted 2,100 trees in the last one year only - with pictures and other details properly documented" "Tree-plantation" as Anamika puts it, "looks a simple thing, but, to do it on

a regular basis and consistently allocating time and money for a non-profit from a professional growing business with daily targets is an arduous task, and that is why most businesses do as a one-time project" Anamika is whole-heartedly supported by her husband Shivam Gautam in the mission to do their bit for the environment and nature In fact, he himself is an avid animal lover who has been helping stray animals from his own funds for many years

As many others, Anamika had her own s e t o f c h a l l e n g e s T i m e s w e r e i n d e e d difficult when she was struggling to find her f i r s t c l i e n t H o w e v e r , t h e b r e a k t h r o u g h c a m e n o t f r o m a n y b o d y f r o m h i s o w n country, but from a German lady writer After Anamika contacted her, she decided to assign the project of her book just after one online video call The grand success of that assignment gave wings to the venture Since then it has been no looking back

In the coming times, Anamika wishes to g o b e y o n d d o i n g h e r b i t f o r t h e environment She plans to set-up a small forest over a 26,000 sq ft land is already in the final stages The place will be a home for all the needy animals and a piece of land p u m p i n g o x y g e n i n t o t h e e n v i r o n m e n t trying to reduce pollution on this planet

Indian publicist helping UK authors explore new opportunities

Anamika Pandey

Indira float row not good for ties, Jaishankar tells Canada

I n di a c ri ti ci s ed C ana da h a rs h ly fo r al lo wi ng K h a li s tan s ep ar ati s t to commemorate the death of f o rme r p ri me mi ni st er Indira Gandhi with fo reign m in i st er S Ja i sh a nk ar, c l ai mi ng t h at Ca na da s t o ler an ce o f su c h a ct io n s would be bad for th e two cou ntries' relations

W i t h C a n a d i a n N S A Jody Thomas adding fuel to the fire by accusing India, a l o n g w i t h C h i n a , R u s s i a a n d I r a n , o f f o r e i g n interference in Canada, the foreign minister responded by saying this was a case of “ulta chor kotwal ko daatein (thief badmouthing a cop)”

“I think there is a larger underlying issue about the

S Jaishankar

s p a c e w h i c h i s g i v e n t o separatists, to extremists, to p e o p l e w h o a d v o c a t e violence and I think it is not good for relationships and not good for Canada,” he added

T h e C o n g r e s s h a s criticised the "glorification" of Indira Gandhi's murder in Canada and referred to the P r i m e M i n i s t e r ' s " s i l e n c e "

India hails Canada for staying deportation of students

o n t h e m a t t e r a s " u n f o r t u n a t e " C o n g r e s s s p o k e s p e r s o n S u p r i y a Shrinate slammed what it said was the absence of a s u b s t a n t i a l r e a c t i o n f r o m the government “All that our government has done is m a k e t h i s o n e g e n e r a l c o m m e n t - w i t h o u t e v e n naming Indira Gandhi India must take this up officially w i t h t h e C a n a d i a n government,” she said

C a n a d i a n h i g h c o m m i s s i o n e r C a m e r o n M a c K a y t w e e t e d h e w a s appalled by reports about the event “There is no place in Canada for hate or for the glorification of violence I categorically condemn these activities,’’ he said

Patna to host Nitish Kumar’s anti-BJP conclave on June 23

B i ha r ca p i ta l P at n a w i l l host on June 23 chief min ist e r Ni t i sh Ku ma r 's l o n g provided show of non-NDA c oo pe r a t i on , b ri n gi n g t o town a numb er of staunch

B JP c omp e t i to r s su ch a s C o n g r es s p r e si d e n t

Mallikarjun Kharge and ex-

MP Rahul Gandhi, Be ngal

C M Mamata Ban erjee, her D elh i cou nt erp ar t Ar vi n d Kejriwal, Tamil Nadu s M K Stalin a nd He mant Soren of Jharkhand

J D ( U ) n a t i o n a l p r e s id e n t L a l a n S i n g h a n d d e p u t y C M T e j a s h w i Prasad Yadav of RJD reeled off a list of names that had confirmed their participation in response to Nitish’s call for anti-BJP unity to take on BJP in next year ’ s general elections

The intended date of the ceremony was June 12, b u t C o n g r e s s c l a i m e d i t w a s n ' t c o n t a c t e d b e f o r e setting the date, therefore the event was postponed

Former UP CM and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, Shiv S e n a ( U B T ) p r e s i d e n t U d d h a v T h a c k e r a y , N C P c h i e f S h a r a d P a w a r , C P I national secretary D Raja, C P M s u p r e m o S i t a r a m Y e c h u r y a n d C P I - M L ' s D i p a n k a r B h a t t a c h a r y a have consented to be part of the conclave, Tejashwi said Congress was believed to have expressed its reservations about the venue, b u t t h e d e p u t y C M s a i d leaders of “all like-minded p a r t i e s ” h a d s i n c e g i v e n their nod to the proposal to

hold the “big meeting” in P a t n a T e j a s h w i c r e d i t e d his father and RJD president Lalu Prasad and CM Nitish for the formation of the Mahagathbandhan government in the state and t h e n w o r k i n g t o g e t a l l n o n - N D A p a r t i e s o n t h e same page He also spoke about Nitish and him trave l l i n g t h e e x t r a m i l e , including visits to Kolkata to meet Mamata and then to Lucknow for a discussion with Akhilesh, as part of their outreach

T h e R J D o f f i c i a l claimed that all non-NDA parties were bound together by their shared hostility t o t h e B J P ' s s u p p o s e d l y a u t h o r i t a r i a n p r a c t i s e s , w h i c h p o s e d a t h r e a t t o democracy

India projecting its strength through digital technologies

India has created a number of publicly accessible digital platforms over the last 10 years that have significantly improved the lives of its people They have been renamed "digital public infrastructure" (DPI) “The benefits of digital transformation should not be confined to a small part of the human race, ” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 summit in Indonesia last year

DPI involves a triad of identity, payments and data management It all began with Aadhaar, or "foundation," a biometric digital identity system implemented in 2010 by the Congress-led administration and currently used by almost all of India's 1 4 billion citizens Next came the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which makes digital payment as easy as sending a text or scanning a QR code Launched in 2016, the platform accounted for 73% of all non-cash retail payments in India till March The third DPI pillar involves data management Using their 12-digit Aadhaar number, Indians can access online documents whose authenticity is g u a r a n t e e d b y t h e g o v e r n m e n t c a l l e d

Digilocker Several other digital platforms have recently been launched or soon will be launched

Some believe that the Indian alternative to the Western-run global financial infrastructure, which includes New York clearing processes and the fast communications network that hundreds of banks rely on for international transfers America’s weaponi-

sation of this system after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year, which included sanctioning most Russian banks, spooked governments from Brasília to Beijing The exit of Western payments systems such as Visa a n d M a s t e r C a r d f r o m R u s s i a w a s l e s s extreme, but also disruptive In the event of a future crisis, domestic payments systems based on UPI could be insulated; they would be harder for American sanctions to target I n F e b r u a r y N C P I c o n n e c t e d U P I w i t h S i n g a p o r e ’ s d i g i t a l p a y m e n t s s y s t e m s , PayNow It performed a similar action in April with the UAE system Theoretically, Indians can now use UPI in Dubai's stores and eateries

Bulelani Jili, a Harvard academic who studies technology in Africa, recalls a Kenyan official gushing about India’s institutes of technology Yet DPI technology can be unreliable Aadhaar has performed poorly in places with bad internet connections or where manual workers have worn finger p a d s T h e s y s t e m a l s o s u f f e r s s e c u r i t y

breaches Experts say it is very easy to access it with false credentials or spoof fingerprints India’s technology offer, says one analyst, includes a lot of “hot air”

Such problems could lead India’s projection of digital power to backfires UPI applications have an advantage over rival systems like Visa and MasterCard since the government forbids them from charging fees to consumers or businesses

Th e Indian government said th a t Ca nad a h ad tak en a h u ma ni ta ri an a tti tu d e to I ndi a n s tu de nts f ac i ng deportatio n th reats after it ra i se d th e i s s u e wi th Canadian authorities Some Indian students in Canada have received stay orders on their deportation warnings D e p o r t a t i o n t h r e a t s h a v e b e e n m a d e a g a i n s t hundreds of Indian students s t u d y i n g i n C a n a d a a f t e r they reportedly submitted f a k e a d m i s s i o n l e t t e r s Official government sources claimed that the 700 figures g i v e n i n t h e m e d i a w e r e g r e a t l y e x a g g e r a t e d " T h e m a j o r i t y o f t h e s t u d e n t s travelled to Canada between 2017 and 2019 After completing their studies, some of them obtained work per-

mits, while others continue to study there,” said a gove r n m e n t s o u r c e d e a l i n g with the issue

“It is welcome that the

c o n s i s t e n t e f f o r t s b y t h e Indian government has been i n s t r u m e n t a l i n t h e C a n a d i a n g o v e r n m e n t a d o p t i n g a h u m a n e a p p r o a c h a n d t a k i n g o n board the perspective of the students,” he added

B o t h h e r e a n d i n Canada, India has brought up the issue with Canadian authorities, even at the level of foreign ministers

Since students were not at fault, it was frequently urged on Canadian authorities to be fair and adopt a humanitarian stance “It was also pointed out that there were gaps in the Canadian system and a lack of diligence, owing to which the students were granted visa and also allowed to enter C a n a d a , ” s a i d t h e s o u r c e , adding that Canadian parliamentarians across political parties had spoken in s u p p o r t o f s t u d e n t s

“Immigration minister Sean Frasier has indicated that Canada is pursuing a solution for international students who are facing uncertainty PM Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the need for fair treatment of students,” said the official

Monsoon finally arrives in India, a week later than usual

The Indian ra iny se ason officia lly bega n whe n the sout hwest (summer ) monsoon r eached the coa st of Kerala Simila r t o the yea rs 2016 an d 2019 in the previous decade whe n t he monsoon arr ive d a s la te as June 8, the beginning is seven da ys late r than the typical dat e of June 1

However, the quantity, distribution, and speed of the delayed monsoon's advance over the remaining regions of the country are u n r e l a t e d t o r a i n f a l l d u r i n g t h e J u n e t o September season

Announcing the onset of southwest mon-

soon over Kerala, the India Meteorological D e p a r t m e n t ( I M D ) s a i d c o n d i t i o n s w e r e favourable for further advance of the rainbearing system into the remaining parts of Kerala, some more parts of Tamil Nadu, some parts of Karnataka and parts of the northeastern states during the next 48 hours

“The formation of a low pressure system in the Arabian Sea, which subsequently intensified into the very severe cyclone ‘Biparjoy’, delayed the onset of the monsoon over Kerala as it took moisture away from the region,” IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said

Karnataka CM launches free travel scheme for women Shah sets NDA target to win 25

B E N G AL U R U : K ar nat ak a c h i ef minister Siddaramaiah launched the Co ngress government’s free travel scheme in public transp ort buses fo r women in the state - Shakti – last week S iddaramaiah said the scheme will empower women and increase th eir representation in public life

The scheme allows women and t r a n s g e n d e r s t o t r a v e l f r e e i n g o v e r n m e n t b u s e s w i t h i n K a r n a t a k a H o w e v e r , t h e r e a r e restrictions on the kind of buses that a r e a l l o w e d “ W o m e n a n d transgenders are eligible for the free bus t r a v e l , s a i d t h e C M A s p e r K S R T C officials, on an average, about 42,00,000 women passengers will benefit from the scheme every day Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy said 50% of the 65 million people in the state are women and 90% of them using buses will benefit from this scheme

Tenants to o to get 200 units of free po wer

Allaying fears of people residing in rented accommodation about the free power scheme, the CM and energy minister KJ George said that tenants, too, would get the benefit of the scheme if they were consuming less than 200

units of power in a month

“All households that are consuming less than 200 units of power will be c o v e r e d u n d e r t h e s c h e m e O n l y commercial buildings are not covered by t h e s c h e m e , ” S i d d a r a m a i a h s a i d

Karnataka witnessed its steepest hike in p o w e r t a r i f f s i n m i d - M a y w h e n t h e

K a r n a t a k a E l e c t r i c i t y R e g u l a t o r y Commission (KERC) ordered a 70-paise hike per unit Even though the previous B J P g o v e r n m e n t c o n s t a n t l y r e j e c t e d proposals to increase the power tariff, the KERC uploaded its revised orders on its website on May 12, a day before the results of the state assembly elections were announced

LS seats in TN

V ELLORE : Launching th e BJP’ s camp aign in Tamil Nadu almost a year ahead o f the 2024 LS elections, Union home minister Amit S hah appealed for votes and victory for NDA in more than 25 o f the 39 seats in th e state and asserted that a government under the leadership of Narendra Modi would be formed again at the Centre “I have come to appeal to all of you to elect BJP and its allies in more than 25 seats in Tamil Nadu,” s a i d S h a h w h i l e a d d r e s s i n g a p u b l i c r a l l y i n P a l l i k o n d a i n V e l l o r e d i s t r i c t a s p a r t o f t h e c o u n t r y w i d e c a m p a i g n t o h i g h l i g h t t h e achievements of the Modi government in nine years R e c a l l i n g t h e i n a u g u r a l e v e n t o f t h e n e w Parliament building, Shah said, “Narendra Modi reinstalled the Sengol which is emblematic of the Chola empire ” Shah said 25 NDA MPs should be elected from Tamil Nadu as “ a mark of gratitude” for installing the Sengol in the new Parliament building

New Justice Party founder A C Shanmugam, who contested on a BJP ticket in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, presented a silver sceptre (Sengol) to S h a h T h e h o m e m i n i s t e r s a i d t h e M o d i government has taken numerous initiatives to promote the Tamil language, culture and history “Modi Ji makes it a point to mention the greatness of Tamil literature, Tamil saints and scholars and culture with immense pride in whichever country he visits ”

Punjab govt not replying to my letters, says Governor

CH AN D I G A R H : P u nj a b

G o ver no r B anwa ri la l P u ro h i t s a id de sp i t e t h e S u p rem e

C o u rt’ s o rder , CM Bh a gwan t Mann had no t rep lied to h is letters

Addressing reporters at the U T S e c r e t a r i a t , P u r o h i t s a i d , “ T h e S C h a d i n M a r c h mentioned that the CM of the e v e r y s t a t e h a s t h e d u t y t o c o m m u n i c a t e w i t h t h e Governor, reply to letters and s u b m i t e v e r y d o c u m e n t o r action taken report asked for But, Mann has not replied to 10 of my letters till now ” Reacting to the allegations, CM Bhagwant Mann said the

in brief

JD(S) IN KARNATAKA PLANS BIG RESTRUCTURE

Following the poor show in the Karnataka Assembly polls JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy said there are plans to restructure the party in a big way The former chief minister said that JD(S) National President and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda has advised that a high-level committee be constituted with representation from all communities for strengthening the party "In a big way, we want to give responsibilities this time, community-wise as per the directions of our national president, and extract work from them in order to build trust among the people and to strengthen the party So, there are plans to bring in big changes and restructure the party," Kumaraswamy said Kumaraswamy said, "We have started discussions with leaders from all 30 districts We discuss and decide on restructuring "

TEMPLE IN TAMIL NADU SEALED

G o v e r n o r w a s u n n e c e s s a r i l y interfering in the work of the e l e c t e d g o v e r n m e n t H e s a i d hurdles were being created to derail the smooth functioning of the government Mann said, “Raj Bhawans are acting as the state headquarters of the BJP, which

Calcutta HC favours postponing panchayat polls

KO LK AT A: Desp ite not giving a f i na l o r der , th e Ca lc u tta H i gh Court, voiced fo r extension o f th e nomination period and p ostpo ning the July 8 panch ayat p olls in West Bengal

Observing that just five days of nomination period is too short a time for the purpose, a division of bench of the Calcutta High Court’s Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam and J u s t i c e H i r a n m a n y B h a t t a c h a r y a o b s e r v e d t h a t t h e n o m i n a t i o n period should be extended and if that is done, the polling date will also have to be postponed

However, the counsel for the W e s t B e n g a l S t a t e E l e c t i o n Commission informed the court t h a t a d e c i s i o n o n t h i s c o u n t cannot be taken without the state g o v e r n m e n t ’ s a p p r o v a l O n M o n d a y , t h e s t a t e e l e c t i o n commission’s counsel submitted a r e p o r t t o t h e c o u r t w h e r e i t p r o p o s e d t h e e x t e n s i o n o f

is a dangerous trend for the Indian democracy ” H e a s k e d P u r o h i t t o e x p l a i n w h y h e f a i l e d t o discharge his constitutional d u t y b y n o t u s i n g “ m y g o v e r n m e n t ” d u r i n g h i s Address Earlier, Purohit had w r i t t e n t o t h e C M , q u e s t i o n i n g t h e appointment of a “tainted” person as the chairperson of Punjab Infotech In his reply, the CM had said he was accountable only to 30 million Punjabis, not to the Governor B e f o r e t h a t P u r o h i t h a d sought certain details, including t h e p r o c e s s o f s e l e c t i n g 3 6

p r o p o s e d t h e e x t e n s i o n o f t h e nomination period each day by two hours

The commission’s council said that this extension will be enough g o i n g b y t h e p a s t r e c o r d s o f n o m i n a t i o n p e r i o d i n p r e v i o u s y e a r s T h e d i v i s i o n b e n c h a l s o advised the commission to consider deployment of central armed forces p e r s o n n e l f o r t h e p o l l i n g a n d c o u n t i n g T h e d i v i s i o n b e n c h ’ s logic was that if the majority of the state police personnel are deployed on poll security duty there might be a shortage of security personnel to maintain regular law & order

It also directed the commission n o t t o u s e c o n t r a c t u a l s t a t e g o v e r n m e n t e m p l o y e e s o n p o l lrelated duties or civic volunteers for poll security- related duties

“Remember that civic volunteers are not police personnel They are j u s t m e a n t t o p r o v i d e s o m e a s s i s t a n c e t o r e g u l a r p o l i c e p e r s o n n e l , " J u s t i c e S i v a g n a n a m

g o v e r n m e n t s c h o o l p r i n c i p a l s f o r a t r a i n i n g s e m i n a r i n Singapore The AAP government had then approached the SC after accusing the Governor of “ r e f u s i n g ” t o s u m m o n t h e Assembly session On Mann’s assertion that the Governor had refused to refer to the government as “ my government” in his Address in the Assembly, the latter said he had never said no to it “It’s my g o v e r n m e n t A l l o r d e r s a r e issued in my name Why will I not say so?” he replied Purohit questioned the delay in taking action against Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak

FIRs filed against Central forces over protests against Abhishek

K OL KA TA: West Bengal Police filed four FIRs against some central armed force personnel in connection to the protests th at Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee faced in Thakurnagar by members of the Matua community

The FIRs were filed against the personnel who were escorting Union Minister of State and BJP Lok Sabha member from Bangaon, Santanu Thakur, who reached the spot while the protests were underway

In the FIRs, the central forces have been accused of trying to stop police personnel from performing their duties and also rescuing one accused from the police clutches After Abhishek reached the residence and the temple of Matua spiritual leader Late Binapani Devi, or Boro Ma, several people from the community started showing him black flags and shouted slogans claiming that he will not be allowed to enter the shrine

The situation turned serious after Thakur reached the spot and with help of the central forces, locked the gate of the temple from inside

Reacting to the police’s move, the BJP’s state spokesman Samik Bhattacharya said that the police administration in the state and Trinamool Congress have turned synonymous

“The same police release Trinamool Congress leaders caught with illegal firearms at the nomination On Sunday, Trinamool Congress leaders tried to take control over the Matua temple with the help of police That was not possible because of the presence of the central armed forces The FIRs were done as part of revenge," he said

Revenue officials in Tamil Nadu sealed the Sri Dharmaraja Draupadi Amman temple at Melpathi village in Villupuram district following a dispute over the entry of Scheduled Caste members into the temple Villupuram Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) S Ravichandran ordered the temple to be sealed after peace talks between the representatives of a dominant caste and Scheduled Caste members failed recently, a senior official said The dominant caste members have been protesting against the entry of Scheduled Caste members into the temple for darshan while the latter insisted upon their right to enter Not wanting the harmony in the village to be breached, the district administration convened peace talks between the two sections to resolve the issue However, the negotiations failed as the dominant community declined to budge from their stand

POLICE REMOVE PROTESTING PUNJAB FARMERS

Police on Tuesday cleared the site outside the PSPCL headquarters by removing farmers who had been sitting on dharna since Thursday last All the leaders were rounded up and the PSPCL gate opened as the employees entered the building after four days The rounded-up farmer leaders along with their supporters were taken away in a bus The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (nonpolitical), a breakaway group of the SKM, had been protesting outside the PSPCL head office Cops in heavy numbers reached the venue Police had asked them to lift the dharna peacefully but the farmers had refused to do so Police blocked all roads around the dharna venue The union members sitting on a fast unto death at the site were rounded up Police removed all barricades and tractors from the dharna site that were put up by the farmers

BENGAL NEET ASPIRANT FOUND DEAD IN KOTA

An 18-year-old student from West Bengal preparing for NEET in Kota was found dead under mysterious circumstances in his PG room at Mahaveer Nagar-II recently Paritosh Koheri, a resident of Purulia district, was found unconscious following which the PG owner rushed him to MBS Hospital where doctors declared him brought dead Mahaveer Nagar area DSP Harshraj said Koheri shared a room with another student who had gone to the market When he returned in 20-25 minutes he found Koheri unconscious, Harshraj said Prima facie the teen is likely to have died of a silent heart attack However, the exact cause will be known after the postmortem, he added

Banwarilal Purohit

Gujarat braces to face impact of cyclonic storm Biparjoy

G u j ara t i s bra ci n g to f ac e t h e i mpact of severe cyclonic storm Biparjo y which is exp ected to h it the state on June 15 Met dep artment officials said this is the fourth maj or cycl one to af fect G uj arat coast in five years In 2019, cyclone V ayu made a landfall in the state followed by Nisarga in 2020 which h it Maharash tra giving ample rainf all to co asta l Gu j arat wh il e i n 2021, T auktae made a landfall near D i u - Una c au s i ng wid es p rea d destruction

Before this, the state experienced four major cyclones in 20 y e a r s b e g i n n i n g 1 9 9 8 w h e n a super-cyclone hit Kandla leaving behind a trail of unprecedented loss to human lives and property t i l l 2 0 1 8 E x p e r t s s a y c l i m a t e change has rendered Gujarat vulnerable to cyclones Met department officials added that the funnel-shaped coastal line from the o r i g i n o f c y c l o n e s a r o u n d Lakshadweep Islands to Gujarat is o n e o f t h e r e a s o n s t h a t t h e

cyclones hit Saurashtra and Kutch coasts “In future, the state may

e x p e r i e n c e a h i g h e r n u m b e r o f cyclones due to rise in mean surface sea temperatures (SST) in the Indian Ocean region,” said an official

Even as state administration initiated preparedness for Biparjoy on a war-footing, fresh projection by the IMD officials indicated that the landfall may take place near Jakhau in Kutch compared to earlier estimates of the Kutch-Pakistan border area As of Monday evening, the cyclone was 300 km southwest from Porbandar coast

PM Modi holds meeting

M e a n w h i l e , P M

Narendra Modi held a m e e t i n g t o r e v i e w cyclone preparedness in Gujarat with the state

g o v e r n m e n t G u j a r a t

C M B h u p e n d r a P a t e l and other senior officials from different depart-

m e n t s p a r t i c i p a t e d i n

t h e m e e t i n g T h e P M later tweeted, “Chaired a meeting to review the preparedness in the wake of the approaching Cyclone Biparjoy Our teams are ensuring safe evacuations from vulnerable areas and maintenance of essential services ”

U n i o n h e a l t h m i n i s t e r , Mansukh Mandaviya said, “With cyclone 'Biparjoy' barreling towards Kutch district in Gujarat, shelter h o m e s a r e b e i n g s e t u p w i t h arrangements for rations and meals while an action plan is being put in place to tackle medical and health emergencies ” He said all labourers

Pawar gives posts of working president to Supriya, Praful

NCP Chief Shara d Pa wa r put a n end to the uncert ainty surrounding his succe ssor by desi gn at ing his de pe nd able lie ute n an t Pr a ful Pat el and daughte r Supr iy a Sule as the part y's working pre sident s, positions cre ated just for t hem Howeve r, t he action increa sed the leve l of ambiguity surrounding the future of Ajit Pawar , the nephew of Pawar, who has long de sire d t o le ad the party

In a move that could strengthen her standing inside the party hierarchy, Supriya was also chosen head of the central election authority, the body that chooses party nomin e e s W h i l e p a r t y l e a d e r s c l a p p e d a n d cheered Pawar’s announcement at an event organised in Delhi to mark the party’s 25th foundation day, a grim-looking Ajit Pawar, seated at the far end of the dais away from his uncle, looked visibly uncomfortable, even though he made a halfhearted effort to hide his discontentment by covering his eyes with

his sunglasses

When party workers broke into a dance and raised slogans for Supriya, Ajit made a quick exit, minutes after Pawar Senior cut a cake to celebrate NCP’s foundation day The choice of Delhi as the venue intrigued many as Mumbai is the political capital of the party

The important announcement by Pawar, comes in the backdrop of his nephew’s growing restiveness over the ambiguity of his position

Not unhappy, more keen on state politics: A jit

I am not unhappy, I am more interested in state politics,” Ajit said after the NCP reshuffle, adding that it was he who had proposed Supriya’s name as working president Sources said Ajit was expected to ensure the MVA returns to office after the 2024 state polls and should NCP secure more seats than its partners in such a scenario, he would be the CM candidate

2 injured, several buildings develop cracks as quake hits Kashmir

At least two people were injured and several buildings develop ed cracks in Jammu and K ashmir’s Doda district as an earthquake of magnitu de 5 4 struck the Ch enab V alley region of the Union Territory on Tuesday afternoon

According to the India Meteorological Department, the quake occurred at 1 33 pm and struck at a depth of 21 km, with its epicentre in Doda district Mild tremors were reported in parts of Delhi and other parts of North India too T h e i n j u r e d i n c l u d e d Q a y

employee of the roads and buildings (R&B) department at Bhaderwah, and Israr Ahmed (15) of Dandi village While Qayamat was in the office when the ceiling plaster fell, Ahmed was at the Sub District Hospital at Bhaderwah when tiles from the ceiling fell on him The boy has now been shifted to the hospital’s emergency, sources said

As panic spread with people rushing out of their houses, offices and commercial establishments, the Doda district administration announced the closure of all the schools in the district

India plans to boost food aid to Afghanistan

The governm ent w il l del iver an additional 2 0,000 M T of wheat to the food-insecure l andlocked Afghanistan via Iran's Chabahar port after sending 40,000 MT of wheat to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan via the Pakistani side of the border

According to Taliban sources, the first shipment of 2,500 MT of wheat supplied through Chabahar port is expected to reach Herat this week India has dispatched its first shipment of food supplies to Afghanistan this year

In a landmark decision, and a peace outreach to the Taliban that seems to have served India well, the government had approached Islamabad in 2021 to allow India to send 50,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan via the land border with Pakistan The Taliban persuaded Islamabad under the leadership of

then-PM Imran Khan to allow the Indian government to use the land route for wheat supply after putting aside their previous animosity for India The Taliban sent an ambassador to India last month to try to improve relations Otherwise, Pakistan does not permit trade from India to Afghanistan and other central Asian nations to pass through its territory However, the amount of wheat India could supply to Afghanistan in the time frame set by Pakistan was only 40,000 MT The remaining 10,000, and an additional 10,000 MT of the grain, is now being dispatched to Chabahar for delivery to Afghanistan

Like all major powers, including Russia and China, India hasn’t recognised the Taliban government in Kabul but it hasn’t let that come in the way of efforts to help Afghanistan deal with humanitarian challenges

working at ports in coastal areas have been evacuated, ships have been anchored, and crew members shifted to safer places

He said better coordination among different state and Central agencies is vital to deal with the c y c l o n e " W h e n a l l s t a t e a n d Central departments, the broadcast department, and the Army work in t a n d e m , t h e y c a n a c h i e v e g r e a t results India is known in the world for its disaster management," he said Alok Kumar Pandey, state relief commissioner, said that 12 teams each of National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force are deployed in the state About 24,000 boats are shifted to safer locations from coastal areas Shelter homes are being prepared i n s c h o o l s a n d g o v e r n m e n t - r u n facilities and food packs are being prepared

“In the first phase, the persons living in the 5 km vicinity of the coast would be shifted Soon, those

living between 5 to 10 km would be shifted to safer locations Between Mandvi and Jakhau, the entire area would be evacuated,” said Pandey "So far, various district admini s t r a t i o n s h a v e s h i f t e d n e a r l y 21,000 people to temporary shelters The evacuation process is still on and all the targeted population will be shifted by Tuesday evening t o s a f e r p l a c e s , " s a i d P a n d e y Among the 21,000 people, nearly 6,500 were evacuated in Kutch district alone, followed by 5,000 in D e v b h u m i D w a r k a , 4 , 0 0 0 i n Rajkot, 2,000 in Morbi, more than 1,500 in Jamnagar, 550 in Porbandar and 500 in Junagadh district

People who live between 0 and 5 km from the seashore will be relocated first, he added, adding that the rescue operation is being conducted in two stages After that, those who live within 5 to 10 km of the coast will be relocated to safer areas, with the elderly, young children, and pregnant women receiving precedence

Peace panel set up under governor in Manipur

A p ea c e c o mm i t te e l e d by G ov er n or Anusuiya Uikey and inc ludin g the c hi ef minis ter N Biren Singh was established in M an i pur by the fe de ra l go ve rn m en t to mediate peace between the state's diverse e th n i c g ro up s t hr ou gh t al k s a n d negotiations

The purpose of the peace committee, which was established on June 1 in Imphal as part of a number of measures to put an end to the conflict in Manipur and quickly restore calm and peace, is to facilitate the process of establishing peace between the state's various ethnic groups In a press release, the home ministry stated, “The c o m m i t t e e s h o u l d s t r e n g t h e n s o c i a l cohesiveness, mutual understanding and facilitate cordial communication between various ethnic groups ”

The committee members include few ministers in the state government as well as M P s , M L A s a n d l e a d e r s f r o m d i f f e r e n t political parties in the state The panel shall a l s o i n c l u d e f o r m e r c i v i l s e r v a n t s , e d u c a t i o n i s t s , l i t t e r a t e u r s , a r t i s t s , s o c i a l workers and representatives of different ethnic groups

Men wearing khaki clothes gun down 3 in Imphal West

T h r e e p e r s o n s w e r e s h o t d e a d i n a

M a n i p u r v i l l a g e t h a t i s s h a r e d b y t h e districts of Kangpokpi and Imphal West by attackers wearing khaki who claimed to be

part of a combing operation and were sleeping in a church One of the victims was a 67-year-old widow

F o l l o w i n g a b o m b i n g o u t s i d e t h e private property of BJP legislator S Kebi Devi in Imphal West, two more people were hurt in the incident at Khoken hamlet, continuing a pattern of burglaries and arson attacks on the residences of sitting MLAs in the state

A c c o r d i n g t o o f f i c i a l s , t h e g u n m e n behind the attack in Khoken village came in o l i v e g r e e n “ m i l i t a r y - t y p e v e h i c l e s ” Security forces patrolling a nearby area reached the village on hearing gunshots, leading to a shootout before the assailants escaped Since May 3, there have been over 1 0 0 d e a t h s , t h o u s a n d s w o u n d e d a n d n u m e r o u s v i l l a g e a n d h o m e f i r e s Thousands of people who were escaping the violence found refuge in relief camps or relocated, notably to the nearby states of Assam, Nagaland, and Mizoram

OBITUARY

INDRA KUMAR SETHIA

Sri Indra Kumar Sethia, who served The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan for four and a half decades is no more He left this world on Saturday, the 3rd of June 2023 He was 75 years old Indraji, as he was popularly known, was a noble soul and lead a dedicated and devoted life He joined The Bhavan in the mid-70’s – initially as a donor, then as one of the Executive Committee members He first became our Joint Treasurer and finally Bhavan’s Hon Treasurer As a trustee, his service to our Bhavan has been invaluable Always ready to be of any service, Indraji was adored by all for his sense of duty and also his sense of humour Our previous Chairmen, Late Sri Maneck Dalal and Sri Joginder Sanger were very fond of Indraji and his sharp observation skills He was so very selfless and humble and had time for any service needed of him His service to our Bhavan cannot be expressed in words He was very closely connected with the Aurobindo Society Our present Hon Treasurer Sri Kaushik Nathwani always considered Late Sri Kishore Devani and Late Sri Indra Sethia as his Gurus Our Chairman Sri Subhanu Saxena wrote “Indraji’s demise is very sad We will miss Indraji terribly”

Indraji leaves behind his dear wife Bharati Sethia, son Ramesh, daughters Keerti and Aarti, grand children and many many friends and relatives May his Aatma mingle with Paramatma

Anusuiya Uikey & N Biren Singh

Single Miyazaki mango goes for Rs 10,000

A mosque compound in Bengal's Birbhum district has been discovered to be cultivating Miyazaki, a rare kind of mango from Japan that is among the most expensive in the world; a 700gm pair sold for $3,700 in 2017. One mango from the Gausia Mosque in Dubrajpur was sold for Rs 1 0 , 6 0 0 K a z i A b u T a l e b , t h e p r e s i d e n t o f t h e m o s q u e m a n a g e m e n t committee, said: “A youth from our neighbourhood, Syed Nizamuddin, brought and planted a sapling a couple of years ago He died a year ago and no one knows where he got the sapling from. Earlier, no one knew about this species But this year, the ripe red fruits drew the attention of everyone.” The tree now has nine mangoes, including the one auctioned off earlier (Agency)

their hands on them The yoga sessions are v o l u n t a r y , a l t h o u g h e a c h e l e p h a n t i s rewarded with a treat for participating, like fruit or bread, Windle said (Agency)

Missing boy found trapped between piers of a bridge

police registered an FIR against the accused (Agency)

Knife in neck, man escapes miraculously

B r i a n S a n c h e z , a b o d y b u i l d e r f r o m Georgia, USA, spent £86,000 to increase his height by seven inches Despite already standing at 6 feet, the 33-year-old felt that h i s t o w e r i n g p h y s i q u e w a s l a c k i n g t h e harmony he desired A chance comparison to his taller brother-in-law led him to the realization that his legs were the culprit D d e t e r m i n e d t o f i n d a s o l u t i o n , h e embarked on a journey that would forever change his stature After extensive research, Sanchez stumbled upon the concept of leg lengthening surgeries and found it to be the answer to his concerns With his mind made up, Sanchez boarded a plane bound for Turkey, where he sought treatment at the Live Life Taller clinic The arduous journey began with his first operation in December 2022 Months later, in March this year, Sanchez underwent a second operation to lengthen his femur Currently wheelchair-bound, Sanchez eagerly awaits his full recovery and the chance to stand tall at around 6 feet 7 inches (Agency)

Elephants take daily yoga classes

A 12-year-old youngster who had been m i s s i n g f o r t w o d a y s w a s d i s c o v e r e d wedged between two bridge piers in Rohtas, Bihar The boy is a resident of Khiriyanw village Local police and senior officials r e a c h e d t h e s p o t s o o n a f t e r t h e information An NDRF team was called for the rescue operation According to the boy's father, Bhola Shah, the boy has been away from home for two days and is mentally ill "We have been looking for him in the nearby villages, but could not find him We got a call and found out that he is stuck between piers of a bridge," the father said NDRF Assistant Commandant Jaiprakash said that the boy was stuck there in a very critical position "The child is safe for now and we are giving him food from here The rescue team will safely bring don soon," Jaiprakash said (Agency)

Senior citizen given bail 2 days after death

A 3 0 - y e a r - o l d b u s i n e s s m a n T e j a s Patil of Maharashtra rode his motorcycle t o t h e n e a r e s t hospital with a knife pierced through the right side of his neck a n d a l m o s t miraculously survived with little physical damage He underwent a four hour surgery at MPCT Hospital for removal of the rusted k n i f e f r o m h i s n e c k a n d f i x i n g o f t h e damaged blood vessels In his statement to police, Patil claimed his 28-year-old brother Monish stabbed him while he was asleep at his home Speaking to the media from the hospital bed, Patil said, “I am still shocked that Monish tried to kill me ” He alleged that Monish had an alchoholic problem Patil said he had made Monish a partner in his business, but “he did not work seriously due to the bad company he keeps” (The Times of India)

SC nixes HC judge’s order seeking astrology help

match, the upper caste men went after Dhiraj and Kirti and began fighting with t h e m A s o t h e r p e o p l e i n t e r v e n e d , a compromise was reached out and everbody dispersed In the evening, the upper caste men came back armed with swards and sticks and fought with the dalits again On finding Kirti alone, they struck him with a sword, chopping off the thumb of his left hand and wounding him on his right hand

(The Times of India)

Mysterious sounds trouble

Kerala village

Locals in a small hamlet in Kerala's K o t t a y a m d i s t r i c t w e r e a l a r m e d b y m y s t e r i o u s u n d e r g r o u n d n o i s e s T h e residents of Chenappady village reported hearing the ear-piercing noises twice last week They claimed that earlier this week, s i m i l a r s o u n d s w e r e h e a r d i n t h e neighbourhood and other nearby locations a s w e l l T h e r e s i d e n t s s a i d t h a t t h e environment had not changed and that o n l y a s c i e n t i f i c i n v e s t i g a t i o n c o u l d determine the precise origin of the ongoing subsurface noises The area would shortly be inspected, according to department of mining and geology officials in Kerala According to a department source, when the sounds were originally heard, they had already checked the location "Based on the reports that similar huge sounds were heard again, our experts will soon examine the place," a source said However to officials o n l y a d e t a i l e d s c i e n t i f i c s t u d y c o u l d ascertain the actual cause of the recurring seismic sounds (Agency)

Coast Guard divers hunt for gold

Twelve pachyderms at the Houston Zoo have been doing “elephant yoga ” sessions as part of their routine health checks One, n a m e d T e s s , i s e v e n a b l e t o p r o p h e r massive body up on her front legs and do a number of other stretches as part of a daily regimen with zookeepers The 40-year-old, 6,500-pound member of the zoo ’ s herd, is among its most flexible elephants - and the only one who can do a handstand, Kristen W i n d l e , t h e H o u s t o n Z o o ’ s e l e p h a n t manager, said Each session lasts between about 30 seconds and five minutes Some older elephants do two sessions a day to keep their joints loose As soon as the elephants are born, the training starts First, t r a i n e r s m a k e s u r e t h a t e a c h e l e p h a n t knows their names and gradually make them comfortable with trainers placing

A s e s s i o n s c o u r t i n M a h a r a s h t r a granted short-term bail to a 62-year-old sick man who was accused in a cheating case in 2021, two days after he passed away The medical reports from JJ Hospital on the course of therapy and surgery carried out on Suresh Pawar were used by the court in giving him relief “It appears from the medical papers that the applicant (Suresh Pawar) is a severe diabetic and his right leg below the knee had to be amputated due to s e p t i c H e i s a l s o s u f f e r i n g f r o m l u n g infection Therefore, considering his age, s e v e r e m e d i c a l c o m p l i c a t i o n s a n d t h e further need of medical care, his prayer for temporary bail can be considered on purely humanitarian grounds,” the court said Pawar’s lawyer had sought his treatment at a p r i v a t e h o s p i t a l w h i l e p r a y i n g f o r temporary bail (Agency)

Retired jawan pumps 7 bullets into wife’s head

A former CRPF jawan pumped seven b u l l e t s i n t o t h e h e a d o f h i s w i f e f o r

" c o n t i n u a l l y i n s u l t i n g h i m o n t r i v i a l

matters " Accused Mahendra Singh (51), a resident of Rahpur Chungi locality fled after committing the murder but was later arrested His daughter-in-law, Puja Singh, tried to intervene and was also targeted but s h e m a n a g e d t o e s c a p e a n d i n f o r m e d police Based on a complaint filed by Puja ,

The Supreme Court rejected an odd attempt by an Allahabad High Court judge to combine law and astrology in deciding the bail request of a man who was facing rape charges He purportedly reached an agreement with the rape victim to marry her, but backed out on the grounds that her birth chart had an astrological flaw called "mangal dosh " The Allahabad High Court's Justice Brij Raj Singh made the decision to use astrology to help him ascertain whether the girl is indeed a "manglik" and whether the accused was right to reject her marriage on that basis Immediately after noticing the bizarre order that had gone viral on s o c i a l m e d i a , C J I D Y C h a n d r a c h u d constituted a special vacation bench, which stayed the operation of the HC order (Agency)

Dalit man’s thumb chopped off S e v e n m e m b e r s o f a n u p p e r c a s t e c o m m u n i t y a l l e g e d l y c h o p p e d o f f t h e thumb of a 30-year-old Dalit man with a sword at Kakoshi village in Sidhpur taluka of Gujarat The reason for the attack on Kirti Parmar was that his brother, Dhiraj, had objected to members of the upper caste community scolding his nephew for picking up a cricket ball while they were playing in a school playground After the cricket

Smugglers from Sri Lanka dumped gold bars into the water when they spotted a patrol boat in the Palk Strait, prompting the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to embark on t h e h u n t f o r i t A f t e r t w o d a y s o f underwater searches, Coast Guard divers retrieved 11 6 kg of gold from the seabed near Mandapam The action started after DRI got a tip about gold being smuggled across the Gulf of Mannar Teams from the DRI and Coast Guard jointly monitored fishing vessels close to the international m a r i t i m e b o r d e r b e f o r e s p o t t i n g a n unregistered foreign boat The team saw three men throw some bundles into the sea before trying to escape The team caught them and deployed divers to search for the bundles On the basis of the information p r o v i d e d b y t h e t h r e e g u y s , D R I a p p r e h e n d e d t w o a d d i t i o n a l b o a t passengers and discovered 21 3 kg of gold on the boat The divers came to the surface with 11 6 kg of the golden bars (Agency)

6-feet-tall man spends £86,000 to increase his height

Heart attacks more likely to occur at the beginning of the work week

Ne w figur es pr ese nted a t the B r it i sh Ca r d i ov a s cu la r Socie ty (BCS) confe rence in M a n ch e st e r s t a t e s e r io us he art at tacks a re mor e likely t o occur at the beginning of t he wor kin g wee k t han a t a ny other time Doctors at t he B elfast Health a nd Socia l C a r e T r ust a nd t he R oy a l C o lle g e of S ur g e on s i n I r e la n d a n a ly se d da t a o f 1 0 , 52 8 p a t ie n t s a cr o ss t h e islan d of Ireland admitted to h ospita l bet we en 201 3 a nd 2018 with t he most serious he art att ack T h i s S T - s e g m e n t e l e v a t i o n m y o c a r d i a l i n f a r c t i o n ( S T E M I ) o c c u r s w h e n a m a j o r c o r o n a r y artery is completely blocked T h e r e s e a r c h e r s f o u n d a spike in rates of STEMI heart attacks at the start of the w o r k i n g w e e k , w i t h r a t e s highest on a Monday There

w e r e a l s o h i g h e r r a t e s o f STEMI than expected on a Sunday O v e r 3 0 , 0 0 0 h o s p i t a l a d m i s s i o n s a r e d u e t o STEMI each year in the UK I t r e q u i r e s e m e r g e n c y assessment and treatment to m i n i m i s e h e a r t d a m a g e , w h i c h i s n o r m a l l y performed with emergency angioplasty - a procedure to

r e - o p e n t h e b l o c k e d coronary artery C a r d i o l o g i s t D r J a c k Laffan, who led the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust research, said, “We’ve found a s t r o n g s t a t i s t i c a l c o r r e l a t i o n b e t w e e n t h e start of the working week and the incidence of STEMI T h i s h a s b e e n d e s c r i b e d b e f o r e b u t r e m a i n s a

How people with diabetes can prevent high blood pressure

F or ind ividu als li vi ng wi th d iabetes, m ai ntai ning o pti m al blo o d pres su re levels is crucial to overall health and w ell- being Hi g h bl oo d pres sure, o r h ypertension, can p ose significant risks a nd c om p li c ati on s f o r th o se wi th d i ab etes Ho w ever, w i th th e ri g h t strategies and lifestyle modifications, it is possible to effectively manage and p re vent h i g h blo o d p res su re i n individuals with d iabetes This article will explore how people with d iabetes c an avo id h ig h b lo o d p res su re and p romote a healthier life

Monitor Blood Pressure Regularly:

Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential for individuals with diabetes

By keeping track of blood pressure r e a d i n g s , p e o p l e w i t h d i a b e t e s c a n d e t e c t a n y f l u c t u a t i o n s o r s p i k e s , e n a b l i n g t h e m t o t a k e a p p r o p r i a t e a c t i o n s p r o m p t l y B l o o d p r e s s u r e should be measured at home or during r e g u l a r c h e c k - u p s w i t h h e a l t h c a r e

professionals F ollow a Diabetes-F riendly Di et:

M a i n t a i n i n g a w e l l - b a l a n c e d a n d d i a b e t e s - f r i e n d l y d i e t i s k e y t o m a n a g i n g b l o o d p r e s s u r e T h e following dietary tips can help people w i t h d i a b e t e s a v o i d h i g h b l o o d pressure: L i m it S od i u m In take: D i a b e t i c s should reduce sodium consumption by

a v o i d i n g p r o c e s s e d f o o d s , c a n n e d g o o d s , a n d e x c e s s i v e s a l t I n s t e a d ,

c h o o s e f r e s h , w h o l e f o o d s a n d u s e h e r b s , s p i c e s , a n d l o w - s o d i u m

alternatives for flavouring Inc reas e Po tas s iu m - Ric h F o od s : Consuming potassium-rich foods, such a s b a n a n a s , s p i n a c h , a v o c a d o s , a n d sweet potatoes, can help regulate blood pressure levels

In cor por ate Hea rt-H ealthy Foods: D i a b e t i c s s h o u l d i n c o r p o r a t e h e a r thealthy foods into their diet, including l e a n p r o t e i n s , w h o l e g r a i n s , f r u i t s , vegetables, and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts

Enga ge in Re gular Phy sical Act ivit y:

R e g u l a r e x e r c i s e i s v i t a l f o r b o t h

d i a b e t e s m a n a g e m e n t a n d b l o o d pressure control Physical activity helps l o w e r b l o o d p r e s s u r e a n d i m p r o v e s overall cardiovascular health People with diabetes should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic

e x e r c i s e , s u c h a s b r i s k w a l k i n g o r cycling, each week and strength training exercises twice a week

Ma i n t a in i n g a H e a l t hy W e ig h t :

Maintaining a healthy weight plays a significant role in managing diabetes

a n d b l o o d p r e s s u r e L o s i n g e x c e s s weight can help lower blood pressure and improve insulin sensitivity People w i t h d i a b e t e s s h o u l d w o r k w i t h

curiosity The cause is likely m u l t i f a c t o r i a l , h o w e v e r , b a s e d o n w h a t w e k n o w from previous studies, it is r e a s o n a b l e t o p r e s u m e a circadian element ” Medical Director at the B r i t i s h H e a r t F o u n d a t i o n (BHF), Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, said, "Someone is admitted to hospital due to a life-threatening heart attack every five minutes in the UK, s o i t ' s v i t a l t h a t r e s e a r c h continues to shed light on how and why heart attacks happen ” "This study adds to evidence around the timing of particularly serious heart attacks, but we now need to u n p i c k w h a t i t i s a b o u t certain days of the week that m a k e s t h e m m o r e l i k e l y Doing so could help doctors b e t t e r u n d e r s t a n d t h i s deadly condition so we can save more lives in future ”

Walking and yoga can cut risk of cancer spreading or returning

Walking for 30 minu tes a day and p ractising yo ga can h elp reduce fatigue in cancer patients and cut the risk of the disease sp reading, coming ba ck o r res u l ti ng i n death, research suggests

Globally, more than 18 million people develop cancer every year It is well known that being inactive raises your risk of various forms of the disease Now the world’s leading cancer researchers are learning more about the benefits of getting or staying active after being diagnosed For decades, many oncologists and health professionals have remained reluctant to push patients to exercise in the wake of sometimes gruelling treatment regimes But the tide appears to be turning

Three studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) add weight to growing evidence that physical activity can help, not hinder, patients

“It was: ‘You’re sick, take it easy and rest,’” Dr Melissa Hudson, a leading expert in cancer survival, said at the conference Now, growing numbers of doctors are of the view that patients should resume exercise, even if only gradually at first, “ sooner rather than later”

The first study was a randomised control trial into the impact of yoga ’ s effect on inflammation Inflammation can be a powerful force in cancer development, aiding and abetting tumour growth and spread around the body

In the study, more than 500 cancer patients with an average age of 56 were recruited from across the US All had received treatment for the disease between two months and five years earlier

healthcare professionals to develop a personalized weight management plan that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise

M a n a ge S t r e s s L e v e ls: C h r o n i c stress can contribute to high blood pressure in individuals with diabetes I m p l e m e n t i n g s t r e s s m a n a g e m e n t techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or engaging in hobbies and activities that promote relaxation can be beneficial

L im it A lcoh o l Co n sum pt i on a n d

Q u it S mo k i n g: E x c e s s i v e a l c o h o l consumption and smoking can harm b l o o d p r e s s u r e a n d d i a b e t e s m a n a g e m e n t P e o p l e w i t h d i a b e t e s should limit alcohol intake and quit smoking to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and associated complications

A d he r e t o Me d i ca t i on a n d T r e a t m e n t Pla n s : D i a b e t i c s s h o u l d d i l i g e n t l y f o l l o w t h e i r p r e s c r i b e d m e d i c a t i o n a n d t r e a t m e n t p l a n s a s directed by healthcare professionals Medications to manage diabetes and blood pressure, when taken consistently and as prescribed, can help control blood pressure levels effectively

Boost your immunity with these herbs and spices

Ma in t a in in g a ro b ust immu n e s y st e m is mor e imp or t a nt t ha n e v e r in today's fast-paced and stressful world While ther e are va rious ways to support our immune health, one practical and natural a pproach is to harness the power of herbs and spices These ar omatic ingredients not only enhance the flavour of our meals but als o o ffe r a ple t ho r a of immu n e- b oos t in g b e n ef it s Follo wi ng a r e so me he r b s an d sp ice s t ha t ca n h e lp strengthen our immune system Turmeric Renowned for its vibrant y e l l o w c o l o u r a n d e a r t h y f l a v o u r , t u r m e r i c c o n t a i n s

curcumin, which possesses potent antioxidant and antii n f l a m m a t o r y p r o p e r t i e s

Curcumin has been shown to modulate the immune system and aid in fighting off infections and diseases

Ginger

With its zesty and warm taste, ginger has long been used in traditional medicine to support immune health

It contains gingerol, a bioactive c o m p o u n d k n o w n f o r i t s a n t i m i c r o b i a l a n d a n t iinflammatory effects Ginger can help soothe sore throats, r e d u c e i n f l a m m a t i o n , a n d support respiratory health

Garlic

Not only does garlic add depth and flavour to dishes,

i t a l s o o f f e r s s i g n i f i c a n t immune-boosting properties I t c o n t a i n s a c o m p o u n d c a l l e d a l l i c i n , w h i c h h a s antimicrobial and antiviral effects Regular consumption of garlic lowers the risk of c a t c h i n g c o l d s a n d o t h e r common infections

Cinnamon This fragrant spice adds a d e l i g h t f u l a r o m a t o b a k e d g o o d s a n d p o s s e s s e s immune-enhancing properties Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, a potent compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects It may help improve immune response and protect against bacterial and fungal infections

Oregano

Oregano is a herb with a r o b u s t f l a v o u r c o m m o n l y used in Mediterranean cuisine It contains compounds such as carvacrol and rosmarinic acid, which exhibit a n t i m i c r o b i a l a n d a n t i v i r a l properties Oregano can help stimulate the immune system and aid in respiratory health

Echinacea

Known for its immunestimulating properties, echinacea is a popular herb often used to prevent and treat the common cold It can help e n h a n c e t h e a c t i v i t y o f immune cells, such as white blood cells, and reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms

They were randomised to take up yoga or attend health education classes for a month Each group took part in 75minute sessions twice a week for four weeks The patients then underwent a series of blood tests The research found those who took up yoga had “significantly lower levels of pro-inflammatory markers” compared with patients in the other group

In the second study, researchers examined yoga ’ s impact on fatigue and quality of life Yoga was found to be better at helping relieve fatigue and maintain quality of life, the research found

A third study found cancer patients who are active can reduce their risk of dying by almost a fifth

The six-year research involved more than 2,600 cancer patients in Brazil Patients were ranked by their activity levels, with “active” classed as going for at least one 30-minute walk five days a week

The results showed the risk of death was higher in those with a sedentary lifestyle After 180 days, 90 per cent of people in the active group were still alive, compared with 74 per cent in the sedentary group

Rise in newborn mortality as antibiotic effectiveness declines

According to a global observational study involving o ver 3,200 newborns suffering from th e infection in 11 co untries, including India, several babies are dying because the antibioti cs used to treat sepsis are losing th ei r effectiveness

Conducted from 2018 to 2020, the study was co -authored by a team of over 8 0 researchers T hey found h igh mortality among infants with culture-positive sepsis and a significant burden o f antibiotic resistance

T h e r e s e a r c h w a s p u b l i s h e d i n t h e j o u r n a l P L O S Medicine and provided a wealth of high-quality data to i m p r o v e t h e t r e a t m e n t o f s e p s i s i n n e w b o r n b a b i e s E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r o f G l o b a l A n t i b i o t i c R e s e a r c h a n d

Development Partnership (GARDP), Manica Balasegaram, said, “It was very important to undertake this study to get a better understanding of the kind of infections we are seeing in newborns in hospitals, the bugs causing them, the treatments that are being used and why we are seeing more deaths ”

They added, “The study has given us vital information which will help us to better design clinical trials and ultimately improve the care and outcome of babies with neonatal sepsis ” Newborn babies are particularly at risk of severe infection because of their underdeveloped immune systems

Nishad Plakkal, Additional Professor of Neonatology and Associate Dean (Research) at JIPMER, Puducherry, said, “One of the study’s most striking findings is the wide disparity in deaths from neonatal sepsis, depending on where people live It’s not unusual in my unit for one nurse to take care of five or six very ill babies at one time This makes it easier for infections to spread ”

Kajol’s social media break causes internet frenzy

Kajol took her fans by surprise last week when she announced on her Instagram, and Twitter accounts that she’s taking a break from social media She posted a picture with a black background and text that read, “Facing one of the toughest trials of my life ” This post sparked a mix of concern and disappointment to her fans While one user commented, “It’s okay not to be okay and take your time”, another wrote, “You are strong enough to face any problem ”

As her fans flooded her comments with curious questions and support, the actor caused a frenzy on social media It was later revealed that the buzz was created in order to announce the launch of the actor’s new digital series ‘The Trial’, when the very next day she shared the poster of the show with the caption “ the tougher the trial, the harder you come back ”

The actress is quite active on Instagram, particularly in posting pictures with her f a m i l y , i n c l u d i n g h u s b a n d A j a y D e v g n , d a u g h t e r N y s a a n d s o n Y u g S h e a l s o frequently posts throwback memories of her popular films like ‘Gupt’ and ‘Bekhudi ’

Deepika shares a glimpse into her life with Ranveer

Oneof the most loved Bollywood couples, Deepika

Padukone and Ranveer Singh, often share banter on social media Over the weekend, Deepika posted a hilarious meme on her Instagram account, giving a glimpse of their domestic back and forth over getting more plants at home

The meme has one person moving towards pots of plants while the other person is trying to hold them back The text above them reads, “You have enough plants,” while the other one exclaims, “But I don’t have these plants ” While it’s not clear who between Deepika and Ranveer is the real plant-lover, given DP’s love for nature, it can be safely assumed that Ranveer tries to stop her from getting more plants at home Given she tagged her husband, fans were quick to believe this is a usual occurrence at their home

In a recent interview, Deepika opened up about her equation with Ranveer, saying she can be at her “most vulnerable” around him The couple tied the knot in November 2018 Reflecting on their marriage, she said much like everyone else, for her the ingredient for a successful relationship is “patience ”

On the work front, Deepika will be next seen in ‘Fighter,’ alongside Hrithik Roshan She also has Nag Ashwin’s ‘Project K’ with Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan in the pipeline On the other hand, Ranveer Singh’s ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ with Alia Bhatt is up for release next month

Kangana takes a jab at Ranbir, Karan Johar

Producers refused to fund ‘Shahid’ with Rajkummar Rao in the lead: Hansal Mehta Filmmaker

Hansal Mehta is currently basking in the success of his latest web series ‘Scoop.’ In a recent interview, the director recalled how at the time of making his 2012 film ‘Shahid,’ producers were reluctant to cast Rajkummar Rao as the lead. However, he managed to convince them as he was sure of the actor.

Kangana

Ranaut criticised actor Ranbir Kapoor s casting in Nitesh Tiwari s ‘Ramayana,’ calling him Duryodhana and filmmaker Karan Johar ‘Shakuni.’ Taking to Instagram Stories, Kangana called them “main suspects behind all fake blind items against” late Sushant Singh Rajput. The actress also accused Karan and Ranbir of spreading “nasty rumours” against her, adding that they “forcibly played referees” in her and actor Hrithik Roshan’s fight

Claiming to be in a “vulnerable place,” Kangana said she’s vowed to “ expose significant illegal activities that they indulge in” when she is in power She also said that “these will be enough for them to be behind bars ”

Kangana’s note read, "Elaborating more on stories there are all kinds of menaces in the film industry but the worse is this Duryodhan (white rat) and Shakuni (papa jo) Jodi They self admittedly call themselves most gossipy, jealous, bi**hy and insecure they refer to themselves as information and broadcasting ministry of gossip in films

Entire film industry knows this, they were the main suspects behind all fake blind items against Sushant Singh Rajput that pushed him to commit suicide They also spread all kinds of nasty rumours against me and forcibly played referees in mine and HR fight Post that their interference in my life and career has been beyond harassing ”

Ayesha Shroff

duped of Rs 58,00,000,

files police case

Bollywoodactor Jackie Shroff’s wife and filmmaker, Ayesha Shroff, was reportedly duped at Rs 58,53,000 by a kickboxer she had appointed in her son’s martial arts firm According to a complaint by Ayesha at Santacruz police station, the kickboxing association fighter, Alan Fernandes, was appointed as director of operations in Tiger Shroff’s MMA Matrix company. The organisation trains in mixed martial arts, and Ayesha handles the administration.

‘Shahid’ was based on the life of lawyer and human rights activist Shahid Azmi, who was assassinated in 2010 Both Rao and Mehta won National Awards for the film

In an interview with Humans of Bombay, Hansal said, “I found Shahid Azmi’s story and my life restarted Basically, I found my voice again and my muse in finding that voice was Rajkummar Shahid, the script was sent to a lot of stars, and somehow either the star did not want to work with me, or if the star wanted to work with me, he wanted to change the way Shahid was written, change the narrative completely I put my foot down I said, ‘Either it is this or it’s nothing’ ”

"And in that process, Mukesh Chabbra, Anurag (Kashyap) just threw Rajkummar my way They kept saying that meet Rajkummar I said ‘I can’t meet him What will I do with him?’

There was no money The producer said, ‘Anurag is going to send Rajkummar to you I’m not funding it I’m not putting money in for Rajkummar’ He was very new He had just done ‘Love, Sex Aur Dhokha ’

She added, "Since I have brought public attention to this kind of spying on me, nasty PR against me and my films such activities have reduced significantly today I might be in a vulnerable place But I take a vow as and when I will be in the position of power I will expose significant illegal activities that they indulge in such as dark web, hacking, spying and illegal underhand defamation These will be enough for them to be behind bars Thank you for listening to my ordeal I have been talking about this for more than a decade now recently their sinking careers have made them focus more on their own lives otherwise it was next to impossible to work in this industry

"

Kangana concluded, "Since they are bankrupt and media has died a slow death as of now SM is the only media, now the only source of news are celebrities own accounts With this new change in the society my voice is more audible, otherwise I said the same things for years but they echoed back like I was captured in a soundproof dark chamber, no media carried what I said and they spent huge amount of monies in twisting my words and using them against me But then great fall of Bollywood happened, empires crashed Here we are now looking at the rise of new collective Indian film industry which will be built on the pillars of democracy, equality and true merit Thanks ”

“Fernandes was appointed director in the MMA Matrix firm in 2018 He is accused of collecting money to organise 1 1 t o u r n a m e n t s i n I n d i a a n d a b r o a d through the firm and depositing Rs 58 53 lakh in his personal account,” an official quoted the FIR Ayesha Shroff lodged a complaint on May 3, after which Fernandes was booked under Indian Penal Code sections for cheating, criminal breach of trust and other offences, the official said

GLOBAL FUSION ALCHEMISTS SHAKTI ANNOUNCE UK AND EUROPEAN TOUR

Co-Founders John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain Lead Current Lineup On First European Tour In 10 Years Shakti makes stops in London, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Budapest, Timisoara, Kongsberg

Son Zain is a fan of cricketer Virat Kohli: Shahid

February 20, 2023: Following word of the Summer 2023 release of This Moment – their first new studio album in 46 years – revolutionary world music ensemble Shakti will continue to discover and explore the musical common ground on an UK and European tour, starting on June 27th and 28th with a very special two nightstand at London’s Hammersmith Eventim Apollo, marking the return of the band to this venue after 47 years. These two nights will be the band’s only UK appearance.

Shakti will perform at the Timisoara Jazz festival in Romania on June 30th, then on to Budapest on July 2nd, Kongsberg on July 5th and Hamburg on July 7th The European Tour will conclude at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam on July 9th

Beginning in the mid-1970s out of the deep artistic and spiritual connection bonding British guitarist John McLaughlin and Indian tabla p l

m u s i c a l c o n v e r s a t i o n dissolved boundaries with uncommon passion, grace, and dexterity –awakening subsequent generations of musicians to the possibilities of such hybrids in the process Alongside McLaughlin and Hussain, today’s Shakti features renowned vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan, and percussionist SelvaganeshVinayakram (son of original Shakti ghatam player T H “Vikku” Vinayakram)

With the recording of their new studio album now complete, the members of Shakti now await the opportunity to continue their panglobal dialogue “In our initial incarnation,” Zakir Hussain concludes, “ we did not always have the time nor the means to explore Now, with the decades of individual musical experiences we all have poured into this, the result reveals an extraordinary depth and level of interaction within this band ”

UK/European Tour Dates:

27 & 28 June

Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, London W6 9QH

June 30 - Timisoara Jazz Festival, Timisoara, Romania

July 2 - Erkel Theatre, Budapest, Hungary

July 5 - Kongsberg Jazz Festival Kongsberg, Norway

July 7 - Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg, Germany

July 9 - North Sea Jazz Festival, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Shah Rukh dances with fans outside Mannat

Vicky Kaushal reveals how Katrina planned his birthday

Actor Shahid Kapoor recently spoke about his son Zain Kapoor’s love for cricket In an interview, he revealed his favourite players are Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav Last month, the father-son duo were seen enjoying a match at Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium.

Talking about his children, he said, “Right now my kids are fans of cricketers okay, so it’s Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli They are fanboying, especially Zain is fanboying them right now and I am loving it because it’s normal like even when I was a kid, I was a huge fan of cricket and of cricket players, so I’m like haan iske andar mera khoon hai, isse bhi cricket accha lag raha hai (We have it in our blood, we both love cricket) I'm loving it ”

An avid cricket lover, Shahid coincidentally played the role of a cricketer in the 2022 Hindi remake of ‘Jersey ’ His father, actor Pankaj Kapur essayed the role of his cricket coach in the film, which also starred Mrunal Thakur

Shahid married Mira Rajput in 2015 They later welcomed their children Misha Kapoor and son Zain Kapoor On the work front, the actor was last seen in Raj and DK’s web series ‘Farzi,’ which marked his official OTT debut He is currently busy promoting his justreleased film ‘Bloody Daddy ’

Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the film also features Sanjay Kapoor, Ronit Roy, Rajeev Khandelwal, and Diana Penty in key roles

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan greeted a huge fan gathering outside his residence 'Mannat' recently. The ‘Pathaan' star sported a white tee and treated fans with his iconic pose. Shah Rukh’s recent blockbuster ‘Pathaan’ is set to have a world television premiere on Star Gold The channel recently announced that the film will premiere on June 18

Ahead of the premiere, fans gathered outside his house donning identical T-shirts with the channel's logo

The movie is also scheduled to release in Russia on July 13, across 3,000 screens Trade analyst Taran Adarsh had p r e v i o u s l y t w e e t e d , “ P A T H A A N T O H A V E W I D E

RELEASE IN RUSSIA #YRF’s Blockbuster #Pathaan creates another record - gets widest release for an #Indian film in dubbed version across #Russia and #CIS Will release on 13 July 2023 across 3000+ screens ”

On the work front, SRK will soon be seen in Atlee’s Jawan,’ which is scheduled to release on September 7 He also has Rajkumar Hirani’s ‘Dunki’ in his kitty

ActorVicky Kaushal was on ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’ recently along with Sara Ali Khan to promote their film ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke.’ In conversation with the host, Vicky revealed how his actor-wife Katrina Kaif plans his birthday to the minutest of details

I n a n e w c l i p f r o m t h e e p i s o d e , K a p i l i s s e e n congratulating Vicky on his birthday He said in a lighter tone, “Jiss din aapka janam hua uss din mere janam ki t a i y a r i s h u r u h u e t h i a s m e r e m u m m y p a p a k a anniversary hota hai May 16 ko (The day you were born, the preparations for my birth had started, as it is my parents’ anniversary is on 16th) ”

Kapil then went on to ask Vicky that before the wedding he must have been celebrating his birthday with friends as bachelors, but what has changed after the wedding?

Vicky shared, “Pichla saal wo pehle birthday tha, shaadi k baad wala Humne phir doston ke sath hi manaya Uss group me ab Katrina bhi thi, toh hum sab ne sath me hin manaya (Last year was that first birthday after marriage, and we again celebrated with friends Katrina was also in that group now, so we all celebrated together) ”

Designers refused to give clothes as I was a South actor: Hansika

Actor Hansika Motwani has revealed that until a few years ago, designers would refuse to give her clothes because she worked primarily in South films. She mentioned that there had been a change in attitude for the last few years, noting that the designers who once ignored her are now eager to provide their clothes for trailer launches and events

In an interview, she said, “There have been many designers and they were like ‘oh, no South actor, we don’t want to give you clothes But now, they themselves come ahead and they are like ‘oh you have an event, you have a trailer launch, why don’t you wear us?’ I politely said yes There has to b e a d i f f e r e n c e b e t w e e n t h e m a n d m e right?”

The actor said she did not hold a grudge against them and said, “I was like ‘they will come back, I will work really hard’ And when the same people have come back I am like ‘ now you want to style me, dress me, fair enough’ ”

She expressed her perspective by stating that regardless of the films she has been a part of, she considers herself an Indian actor She said, “Few words don’t describe me I always said I am an Indian actor, I work in Indian cinema These lines are getting blurred I’ve been acting for a while now and I’ve always been said I’m an Indian cinema actor ”

The actor recently tied the knot with her l o n g t i m e b o y f r i e n d S o h a e l K a t h u r i a , i n Rajasthan On the work front, the actor will next be seen in ‘Man,’ bankrolled by Madras Talkies

Political correctness has affected humour in films: Salim Kumar

Samantha grooves to ‘Oo Antava’ in Serbia

Actors Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dhawan are all set to star in the Indian spin-off of Priyanka Chopra’s ‘Citadel ’ After shooting in India, the production team moved to Serbia for the next schedule A clip has now gone viral on the internet, and it features the actors enjoying themselves in a club along with the rest of the team.

They are seen having a gala time dancing to Pushpa’s song ‘Oo Antava Oo Oo Antava’, which originally featured Samantha along with Allu Arjun S a m a n t h a l o o k s s t y l i s h i n a b l a c k leather top and matching pants as she grooves to the beat of her song Varun, too, looks handsome in his blue t-shirt and denim He is seen rooting for

Samantha in the video while she looks shy S a m a n t h a h a d r e c e n t l y g i v e n a sneak peek into her time in Serbia Samantha posted multiple pictures to her Instagram handle and captioned it ‘mood ’

Talking about her excitement for the upcoming web show, Samantha had earlier said in an interview, “I am all very eager to dive into it, especially for a girl to do action and it is not really every day that you get a tag that, ‘she is good at action’ So, now you want to do better and you want to push it, and you don’t want that tag to go away I think that is what is pushing me to my maximum capabilities ”

Tovino Thomas unveils

‘Nadikar Thilakam’ character poster

National

award-winning actor Salim Kumar believes there is a dearth of comedy roles in today’s cinema and that political correctness has affected h i films.

He said in an intervi “ T h e r e a r e n o c o m e d roles in the films today T h a t i s w h y w e a r e doing serious roles I have always and stills would like to do comedy roles But there is a dearth of such roles I l o v e m a k i n g p e o p l e laugh ” Stating that political correctness is a barri to humour, he added, “N we can’t call someone b dark Political correctness has to be followed in every word We don’t know when a case will be filed against us ” Salim said, “Humour cannot be created by being in a cage Even Kunjan Nambiar criticised the king Nehru told cartoonist Shankar not to spare him Humour should be given space without any barriers Then only humour will exist ” He, however, asserted that body shaming is a bad practice “Body shaming should not happen It is bad

But we should not term every word as “body shaming ” Even Mammootty had to apologise for calling someone bald We have learnt in our childhood that balds the symbol of a man w will it be body-shamg?”

Salim addressed his p r e v i o u s s t a t e m e n t s that were deemed to support actor Dileepw h o i s a c c u s e d o f being the mastermind behind the abduction a n d a s s a u l t o f a c t o r Bhavya He said, “I have ever said that all things t Dileep did were corWhat I said was that we he people to judge him or anyone Neither the media nor the people are qualified to give the judgment Only the courts are qualified to pass judgment ” When asked if he is saying Dileep is not at fault, Salim said, “That’s what he told me When he says ‘I have not done any such thing’, what should I do? I asked him directly, and he swore on his children that he has not done it I would like to believe he has not done it My belief may be true or not ”

Malayalam actor Tovino Thomas has given his fans a muchneeded update on his upcoming film ‘Nadikar Thilakam ’ He unveiled a character poster from the movie featuring himself in a never-seenbefore alluring avatar Sharing the poster on social media, Tovino wrote, “A star is born to shine ” The movie is directed by Lal Jr of ‘Honey Bee’ fame.

According to reports, Tovino plays David Padikkal, a reigning movie superstar, in the movie It is anticipated to centre around his professional life, which has encountered obstacles due to various factors, and his endeavours to liberate himself from these challenges

The film’s production will commence shortly and will span over 120 days, with shooting taking place at multiple locations Estimated at a staggering Rs 40 crore, the highbudget project features an ensemb l e c a s t c o m

The movie is being bankrolled jointly by Y Naveen and Y Ravi Shankar’s Mythri Movie Makers in association with Allan

, Dhyan Sreenivasan, Anoop Menon, Shine Tom Chacko, Sreenath Bhasi, Lal and Madhupal

Antony and Anoop Venugopal’s GodSpeed Meanwhile, on the work front, Tovino is simultaneously working on two highly anticipated films, ‘Ajayante Randam Moshanam’ and ‘Anveshippin Kandethum ’

‘Never Have

I Ever’

season 4 features popular Telugu song ‘Sami’

Actor Mindy Kaling’s Netflix series ‘Never Have I Ever’ came back for its final season, and it has a Tollywood connection that took everyone by surprise One of the episodes features the lead character Devi, played by Maitreyi, taking to the dance floor with her cousin Kamala and they do a performance on Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna’s song ‘Sami’ from 2021 Telugu film ‘Pushpa: The Rise ’

Nick calls Priyanka

'an absolute boss and amazing mother'

Singer and actor Nick Jonas called his wife and actress Priyanka Chopra an “absolute boss and an amazing mother.” Ahead of Father’s Day, he said the occasion is more about her than him. He also admired his father Paul Kevin Jonas, for doing an “incredible job.”

Nick said, “My dad did an incredible job of making sure that everyone else felt loved on Father's Day, and I'm going to try to adopt that from him ” He added, "We as fathers would not be where we are as fathers without incredible women to make that dream come true And I'm so grateful to share this journey with my wife, who's just an absolute boss and amazing mother It's more about her that day than me ”

P r i y a n k a C h o p r a a n d N i c k t i e d t h e k n o t i n December 2018 in Rajasthan They welcomed their daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas, via surrogacy in January 2022 The duo, in a joint statement, had announced the birth of their first child on social media

On the work front, Priyanka currently, is shooting f o r ‘ H e a d s o f S t a t e ’ i n L o n d o n H e l m e d b y I l y a

Naishuller, the film will also star John Cena and Idris Elba She will be seen with Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif in ‘Jee Le Zara,' helmed by Farhan Akhtar

In a clip from the latest season, Devi and Kamala (played by Richa Moorjani) are seen at an Indian function where both dance on the song ’ s Tamil version since Devi belongs to a Tamil background in the show

Meanwhile, Allu Arjun is shooting for the second part of the film titled 'Pushpa: The Rule ’ The Sukumar directorial is expected to release in December and the film brings back Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil in their respective roles The first look of the actor was released on his birthday in April

Vin Diesel calls Deepika

my favourite

Harman Baweja calls his haters 'critic Roshans' in hilarious new video

Baweja made a fabulous comeback with Hansal Mehta’s hit web series ‘Scoop ’ He was recently featured in Netflix’s promotional video to give a powerful reply to all his critics but with a pinch of humour. He also referred back to when he was compared with actor Hrithik Roshan for his looks by calling his haters “Critic Roshans ”

Harman

actor Vin Diesel is looking forward to visiting India again, years after Deepika Padukone, his co-star in ‘XXX: Return of Xander Cage’ brought him to the country Diesel came to India in 2017 to promote the American action thriller, which marked Padukone’s Hollywood debut Diesel posted a still of the two on Instagram and called her one of his “favourite people to work with ” “Spirit lead me @deepikapadukone was one of my favourite people to work with She brought me to India and I loved it looking forward to my return All love, always,” the 55-year-old actor wrote Padukone, who played the role of Serena Unger in the movie, shared Diesel’s post on her Instagram Story with hearts On his visit to India in 2017, Diesel interacted with fans at a special musical event before the film’s premiere He also shook a leg with Padukone on her “Lungi Dance” hit track from 'Chennai Express ’

Hollywood

Baweja opens the video by saying, “Oh God! Please! Let me silence my Hrithiks I mean critics I thought I knew what the future would be but I was wrong But, I was not the only one ” Showing a framed news article with the headline ‘Harman Be-waja’, the actor says, “Even they were wrong I am Baweja not be-waja ” Showing another article with the headline ‘The future doesn’t look Roshan for him', he says, "You know what I call my haters, Critic Roshans I m looking to start my second innings in acting No, no, no, no I am not talking about Victory's sequel I am talking about Scoop Scoop on Netflix! Woohoo Woohoo!”

Sharing the funny video, Netflix captioned it on Instagram, “Har-man mein Harman rehta hai because he lives in our hearts rent free @hansalmehta’s #Scoop is now streaming only on Netflix!”

Many seem to have not recognised Harman in the show A fan commented, “I watched the whole series and now I realised who he is unexpectedly FAB performance " Praising him, a fan wrote, “He is amazing in SCOOP and I love that he can joke about himself ” Another commented, “Happy to see you back and waiting to see how it goes for you now! Best of luck ” One more called it “Undoubtedly the best comebacks so far from the industry” The show features Harman as JCP Harshavardhan S h r o f f i n ‘ S c o o p ’ I t a l s o s t a r s K a r i s h m a T a n i a ,

Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Harman Baweja, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Deven Bhojani The show is based on the real-life story of Jigna Vora, who was accused of the murder of mid-day reporter Jyotirmoy Dey in June 2011

' one of

people to work with'

in brief Indian girls stun South Korea, win Junior Hockey Asia Cup

Ind ia stunned South K orea, the fo ur-time cham pions, 2-1, and w o n t h e W o m en 's J u ni o r Ho ckey Asia C up for th e first time

For India, Annu and Neelam scored goals, whereas Park Seo Yeon scored the only goal for Korea India finally got going after a lacklustre first period with a goal by Annu from a p e n a l t y c o r n e r i n t h e 2 2 n d minute Annu made amends for her miss in the semifinal against Japan, as she stepped up in style

to beat the goalkeeper and give India the lead against the run of play South Korea took three minutes to bring it level when Park Seo Yeon struck from the right following a brilliant surge India regained the lead in the 41st minute with to a strong strike from Neelam to the low r i g h t o f t h e S o u t h K o r e a n custodian India sealed the deal i n t h e t h i r d q u a r t e r b y m a i n t a i n i n g t h e i r s l i m l e a d

I n d i a g r a c i o u s l y g a v e S o u t h Korea PCs one after another, g i v i n g t h e m s e v e r a l

opportunities, but they w e r e u n a b l e t o convert

Before this, India’s

b e s t e v e r f i n i s h i n t h e tournament was in the 2012 edition in Bangkok when they e n t e r e d t h e f i n a l o f t h e continental showpiece for the first time, only to lose to China

2-5 Indian captain Preeti who w a s n a m e d P l a y e r - o f - t h eM a t c h s a i d t h e y h a d t h e i r strategy in place following a 1-1 draw against the Koreans in the round-robin stage

TAXI DRIVER’S DAUGHTER BRINGS GLORY TO INDIA

HI announces cash rewards

Each player will receive a monetary prize of Rs 200,000 f r o m H o c k e y I n d i a , a n d t h e s u p p o r t p e r s o n n e l w i l l a l s o r e c e i v e R s 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 f o r t h e i r outstanding performance “We are filled with immense pride as t h e I n d i a n J u n i o r W o m e n ’ s t e a m c l i n c h e d t h e i r m a i d e n Junior Asia Cup,” HI president Dilip Tirkey said

Oz beat India; win World Test Championship

A fired-up Australia sped to a

2 09-ru n vi cto ry in the World T est C ham pionship (WT C) final a t T he Ov al, q ui ckly d ash i ng Indian d ream s of pulling off a last-day m iracle

India's second innings was on 164-3 when Virat Kohli and A j i n k y a R a h a n e c a m e o u t t o resume it, needing to score 280 runs on the final day to surpass A u s t r a l i a ' s e n o r m o u s t o t a l o f

444 However, as Scott Boland and his fellow bowlers ripped through the Indian batting order to remove the top-ranked team in the world for 234, the raucous s u p p o r t e r s w e r e r e d u c e d t o silence and dejection and the

victory was secured before noon In the seventh over of the d a y , K o h l i e d g e d f a s t b o w l e r Boland to a great catch at second slip by Steve Smith and was gone f o r 4 9 B o l a n d g o t R a v i n d r a Jadeja in the same over India chased the match from the first morning and the demise o f K o h l i c o n f i r m e d i t w a s a matter of when, not if, Australia w o u l d b e c o m e t h e f i r s t - t i m e world test champions Rahane, o n 2 0 o v e r n i g h t , r e a c h e d 4 6 when he edged Starc behind and began a collapse of the last five India wickets in the 30 minutes before lunch

B o l a n d s t a r t e d A u s t r a l i a ’ s

Wrestlers meet sports minister, suspend stir till June 15

T he p rotesting wrestlers, led b y O ly m p i c m e d al li s ts

Bajrang P unia and S aksh ee M ali k kh , h e ld a r o un d o f t al ks w i th sp o r ts m i ni s te r

A nu rag Thakur at his official r es i d en ce and t h ere af te r d ec id ed to s u sp e nd th e i r p rotest till June 1 5

The suspension of protests came after the government gave an assurance that Delhi Police will file its chargesheet into the allegations of sexual harassment against Wrestling Federation of I n d i a ’ s f o r m e r p r e s i d e n t B r i j

Bhushan Sharan Singh by June 1 5 T h e g o v e r n m e n t h a s a l s o assured the wrestlers that the FIRs filed against the wrestlers, coaches and their supporters, for forcefully marching towards the new Parliament building on May 28, will be withdrawn

Ready to face questioning : Brij

Bhushan

Brij Bhushan said that he w a s r e a d y t o f a c e f u r t h e r questioning by Delhi police over allegations of sexual harassment against him Brij Bhushan said t h a t h e h a s a l r e a d y b e e n q u e s t i o n e d t w i c e R e i t e r a t i n g that he has done nothing wrong, he said, “I have come to Delhi on a personal visit I am very much a v a i l a b l e a t m y o f f i c i a l a c c o m m o d a t i o n C o n t r a r y t o media reports, I have not been s u m m o n e d b y t h e p o l i c e f o r

another round of questioning I have no information But if the police want to grill me further, I a m r e a d y t o f a c e t h e i n v e s t i g a t i v e a g e n c i e s ” B r i j

Bhushan also clarified that no police team from Delhi visited his stronghold of Gonda district to question his personal staff and supporters

c e l e b r a t i o n s w i t h h i s t w o wickets, and Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon also took two each in the morning Wicketkeeper Alex Carey had four catches in the innings

I t w a s I n d i a ’ s s e c o n d successive defeat in the WTC final, they lost their last seven wickets for the addition of just 70 runs on the final day of the contest

India lose its only ATP 250 tennis tournament

T h e A T P 2 50 m en 's t enn i s to u rnam ent , wh i ch h ad b een h eld in Ind ia for thelast 27 years, h a s b ee n re lo c ate d to H o ng

K o n g , w h ic h is a s i g ni f i ca nt setback fo r Ind ian tennis The com petition, w hich debuted in New Delhi in 1 996, h as been h osted in Pune since 2018 under t h e n am e T at a O p en

M ah arashtra C hennai was its h ome before that for 21 years

T h e a g r e e m e n t w i t h t h e Maharashtra government, the s t a t e t e n n i s o r g a n i s a t i o n (MSLTA), and IMG, the rights h o l d e r f o r t h e t o u r n a m e n t , c a m e t o a n e n d a f t e r t h e conclusion of the 2023 edition

It is understood that IMG’s demands were unviable for the h o s t - a m i l l i o n d o l l a r f o r

hosting rights (as against the p r e v i o u s f e e o f £ 3 5 0 , 0 0 0 ) , $700,000 towards prize money, besides bearing the operating costs, which could be £500,000 O n t o p o f i t , t h e t e l e v i s i o n , digital and other commercial rights would rest with IMG Needless to say, the idea was a non-starter for MSLTA and the Maharashtra government “We feel very sad We did the tournament for five years and the tournament benefited the Indian players The tournament had also drawn the top players in the world, including Rafael N a d a l , B o r i s B e c k e r , P a t r i c k R a f t e r , C a r l o s M o y a , S t a n Wawrinka, Marin Cilic, and Tim Henman, who played in the first edition with Jonas Bjorkman

Lakshita Shandilya, 18, first gained attention when she won two silver medals at the ISF World School Gymnasiad in France last year By capturing the gold medal in the 1500 metres at the Asian Under-20 Athletics Championship in South Korea the middledistance runner demonstrated that she had advanced significantly in the world of athletics Daughter of a taxi driver Vinod the Vadodara girl has battled financial constraints to keep her dream on track Vinod s income hardly covers his expenses It has been quite difficult for him to raise the money needed for his daughter's training Athletics is expensive as Lakshita needs professional training, quality shoes and a good physio too After witnessing her spectacular performances and the will to succeed, some NGOs have extended a helping hand Even her coach Rippandeep Randhwana supported Lakshita a lot,” Vinod said Lakshita thanked her coach parents and all supporters after winning the Asian gold “We are very proud of her She had been practising hard for this tournament so we were confident that she would bring a medal ” Vinod told the media Lakshita confidently stepped off the starting line and trailed for a little period in second place before quickly catching up to the girl in front of her and sprinting through the finish line She considers former athlete P T Usha as her idol I learnt a lot by just watching her videos I dream of participating in the Olympics and winning a medal for my country, she said

CRICKETER ARRESTED IN AGE-FUDGING

A sportsperson was arrested for fudging age Amol Kolpe a cricketer for Malegaon was detained by the Baramati police in connection with an age-fraud case A Baramati court sentenced him to a 14-day magistrate's prison Kolpe now has the option of moving a plea for regular bail after arrest The case is related to a qualifying round of the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA)’s Under-19 invitation league matches held in January this year Kolpe provided documentation that listed his birthday as September 28, 2007 However further research revealed that he was born on February 15, 1999, as stated in other documents Following a complaint by Nana Satav, a representative of the Karbhari Club, which claimed to be an aggrieved party being in the same group as Kolpe s club, the police detained Kolpe and booked three other people on allegations of cheating and forgery Kolpe allegedly filed fake documents to hide his age according to the complaint

Djokovic overtakes Nadal with third French Open

The 36-year-old Novak Djokovic defeated Casper R uud 7-6 (1), 6-3, and 7-5 to became the ‘Greatest Of All Time ’ He has resisted a ge i n g a n d o ut pl a y e d o pp on e n t s of a l l decades T hen Djok ovic put on a custom made No 23 jacket, which made him feel like a superhero

Rafael Nadal now has one less Grand Slam title than Djokovic with his recordb r e a k i n g v i c t o r y o n C o u r t P h i l i p p e -

C h a t r i e r , w h i c h h e h a s o w n e d m o r e c o m p l e t e l y t h a n a n y b o d y e l s e w i t h 1 4

victories The Serb’s third French Open title, with w h i c h h e e c l i p s e d N a d a l a s t h e o l d e s t champion here, also made him the first man i n h i s t o r y t o w i n e a c h G r a n d S l a m

tournament at least three times Djokovic’s 21st consecutive match win in a major saw him reclaim the world No 1 ranking

“I want to thank my team, my family, my kids, my wife and my parents,” Djokovic said “You guys know what we have been through, the trials and tribulations Thank you for your patience I appreciate you being my rock, my support ”

Djokovic took the first set in a tie-break where he strung together his cleanest play of the first 81-minutes of action In his six tiebreaks of this clay court fortnight, Djokovic hasn’t made a single unforced error Hardly surprising coming as it does from the man who owns the tie-break record in ATP history Novak Djokovic